Apple Announces Tap to Pay Functionality For iPhones

Apple will be introducing Tap to Pay functionality for the iPhone in the near future. Through the use of NFC technology, the new payment system will allow users to securely accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debits cards as well as other digital wallets with a simple tap to their iPhone. No additional hardware or payment terminal is needed for said transactions.

Payment platforms and app developers can integrate Tap to Pay into their iOS apps for the iPhone XS or later device. At check out, the merchant may ask the customer to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near to the former’s iPhone to complete the transaction. This is a simplified system negating the need for third party terminals or payment services.

“As more and more consumers are tapping to pay with digital wallets and credit cards, Tap to Pay on iPhone will provide businesses with a secure, private, and easy way to accept contactless payments and unlock new checkout experiences using the power, security, and convenience of iPhone,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “

During the transaction, payment data is protected using the same technology that allows Apple Pay to remain private and secure. It’s encrypted and processed using the Secure Element. This means that not even Cupertino will know what is being purchased or who is buying it.

Tap to Pay on the iPhone will work with contactless credit and debit cards from leading payment networks, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. The service will be made available to Apple Store locations in the US later this year. Stripe will be the first payment platform to offer Tap to Pay with more expected to follow later this year.

Apple says that it will make Tap to Pay available to developers in the software developer kits (SDKs) in an upcoming iOS software beta. The company hasn’t provided a concrete timeline for when the new service will be widely available, which includes the rolling out to international markets. But it’s nice to see Cupertino getting with the times and embracing NFC payment tech.