Apple’s new contactless feature that lets one iPhone user pay another without additional hardware — known as Tap to Pay — is rolling out to Apple Stores across the U.S. starting Wednesday, according to a new report.
This follows a trial earlier in May at the Apple Park visitor center. The system lets iPhones accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets.
Cupertino’s contactless Tap to Pay rolls out at Apple Stores across the US
Apple’s Tap to Pay contactless payment feature began rolling out Wednesday, according to a tweet by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, below, following up on an earlier article. When Tap to Pay will become available in every Apple Store or to businesses in general isn’t known, however.
Apple first confirmed the plan for Tap to Pay in February 2022, saying it would launch by the end of the year. And while it’s coming out now in Apple Stores, Cupertino intends it for any business that wants to adopt it.
Stripe was the first business to try it, back in February, as a closed beta program for its customer companies.
Apple’s tap to pay acceptance directly on iPhone is rolling out across its stores beginning today. Was tested earlier at the store at its HQ. More on the feature: https://t.co/rPoYgSIKXo https://t.co/XqfBOOdFQ5
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 25, 2022
In Apple Stores, staff members typically use modified iPhones with a secondary device connected for taking credit cards. But with Tap to Pay coming into play, any iPhone running the latest version of iOS will accept transactions.
The feature will allow businesses to accept contactless payments through supported iOS apps using an iPhone XS or newer. At checkout, the customer holds their iPhone, Apple Watch, contactless credit or debit card, or other digital wallet near the seller’s iPhone. Payment completes securely via NFC technology.
