If true then its not only apple, but also HTC and Samsung (don't forget Samsung is a Korean company, wich although north korean it stil has some dictator smell to it).

Apple left out the NFC chip in their latest iPhone meanwhile other big boys in the scene are pushing for NFC chips, wich means you can pay for stuf just by holding your phone nearby a sensor..

I don't really think this is what "the Mark" means, i have read about it and think it has to be something like a tattoo, just on the surface but attached to the person (not like holding a phone or anything). RFID comes close with their implant chip, maybe they will come in bandaid form so you can stick one on your hand and one on your forehead. :P