Apple Launches New ‘Tap-to-Pay’ Feature On iPhone

If you thought Apple Pay was enough, Apple introduced the newest feature, “Tap and Pay.”

On Wednesday, Apple announced that any merchants from small retailers to large businesses will now be able to securely accept payments from Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets through one tap on the iPhone.

Apple says, “Tap to Pay on iPhone will be available for payment platforms and app developers to integrate into their iOS apps and offer as a payment option to their business customers.”

Here’s how it works:

The Tap to Pay feature on the iPhone will prompt merchants to unlock “contactless payment acceptance” through a supporting IOS app on an iPhone XS or later. Then at checkout, merchants can ask the customer to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch to pay Apply Pay, contactless debit or credit, or digital wallet near the merchant’s iPhone. Finally, the payment will be completed securely through NFC technology. 

No other technology or hardware is needed. 

Stripe is the only paying platform to offer the option, but Shopify will be added this spring, following other paying platforms later in the year. 

Apple Pay and Apple Wallet’s Vice President, Jennifer Bailey, detailed the exciting news for loyal Apple consumers. She says, “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.”

She continues, “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.”

The Tap to Pay feature will erase all worries if you fear a data leak. The same technology protects the user’s data that Apple Pay uses to secure and protect data. All transactions are encrypted and processed using the Secure Element. This way, Apple has no knowledge of what is purchased or who purchased it. 

We can expect the exciting feature in the next IOS update.