Apple Unveils Tap to Pay Feature Allowing Businesses to Accept Contactless Payments

Apple has just announced plans to launch the Tap to Pay feature, which will support contactless payments via iPhone. This new feature, Apple Tap to Pay, will allow all merchants in the United States to accept payments via Apple Pay, credit or debit cards, and other digital wallets with a simple tap.

Following the unveiling of Tap to Pay, Apple made available to developers the most recent beta version of Apple’s operating system (15.4 beta 2), as well as new APIs that appear to support Tap to Pay on iPhone. When Tap to Pay is ready, merchants will be able to accept contactless payments on iPhone XS and later models by using an iOS app that supports it.

Easy, secure contactless payments via Apple Tap to Pay

Tap to Pay requires no additional hardware or payment terminals for all merchants in the US to process contactless payments. Merchants may simply ask their customers to hold their iPhones in order to pay via Apple Pay, credit or debit cards, or digital wallets and the payment will be made using NFC technology.

Apple has long prioritized privacy. The same technology that makes Apple Pay private and secure will safeguard and secure all Tap to Pay payments. Just as it does with Apple Pay, Apple will not know what the users buy or who buys it. The Secure Element encrypts and processes all transactions from Tap to Pay.

“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,” stated Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

Credit: Apple

Empowering businesses across the US

Jennifer Bailey said in the feature’s announcement, “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.”

To deliver Apple Tap to Pay on iPhone to millions of retailers in the US, Apple will collaborate with payment platforms and app developers who provide payment and commerce products to their merchant clients. By offering Tap to Pay as a new payment option, payment platforms, and app developers are indirectly helping their merchant clients run and develop their businesses.

Currently, Stripe will be the first payment platform to offer Tap to Pay to its business customers, followed by the Shopify Point of Sale app this spring. Other payment platforms and apps, as well as US Apple Stores, will join later this year. As reported by The Verge, Apple told the website that “it will support all EMV contactless payments, including Google Pay, so as more options become available.”

“With Tap to Pay on iPhone, millions of businesses using Stripe can enhance their in-person commerce experience by offering their customers a fast and secure checkout,” Billy Alvarado, Stripe’s chief business officer, expressed.

Unfortunately, there is no word on whether or when Apple Tap to Pay on iPhone will be available in other countries.