We had reported earlier that Apple is working on tech that would allow iPhones to accept NFC payments. Today, Apple has announced Tap to Pay on iPhone that will allow merchants across the US to accept NFC payments using Apple Pay. This will allow them to accept money using contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets through a simple tap to their iPhone without the requirement of any additional hardware or payment terminal.
Tap to Pay will be available for payment platforms and app developers so that they can integrate the feature in their iOS apps and offer it as a payment option to their business customers. Stripe will be the first payment platform that will offer Tap to Pay to its customers, including the Shopify Point of Sale app starting this spring.
Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay, said:
“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.
In collaboration with payment platforms, app developers, and payment networks, we’re making it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes — from solopreneurs to large retailers — to seamlessly accept contactless payments and continue to grow their business."
Tap to Pay will be available through a supporting iOS app on an iPhone XS device or later. To use this feature, the merchant will prompt the customer to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch to pay with Apple Pay. Customers can also use their contactless credit or debit card, or their digital wallet near the merchant"s iPhone and the payment will be completed securely over NFC.
Apple pointed out that Apple Pay is already accepted by more than 90 percent of retailers in the US. With Tap to Pay, virtually every business, whether it is big or small, will be able to accept payments on iPhone at checkout.
Tap to Pay on iPhone will be available for app developers to leverage in their software development kits (SDKs) in an upcoming iOS software beta later this year.