In restaurants, credit card transactions would continue to require servers to make two trips between the table and the cash register -- one to carry the card to the register for approval, and the other to punch in the tip and file the signed credit card slip.

For its part, Google Wallet would require just one trip -- for the waiter to bring an NFC device to the table.

But Apple iWallet users wouldn't need the server at all: They'd just pay on the phone and go.

If Bluetooth 4.0 makes it possible for Apple to simplify restaurant and retail payments to that extent, users would have an incentive to switch to iPhones, restaurateurs and store owners would be inclined to switch to iPads, and financial services companies, including credit card companies, would be willing to play ball with Apple.

It would also give Google an incentive to embrace Bluetooth 4.0 payments as well.