Data breaches have become more common over the past few years, with companies like Target, Home Depot and Dairy Queen all suffering from them.
Apple Pay, however, may put an end to these types of data breaches as it uses a completely different and safer technology than plastic cards.
Currently, point-of-sale systems include a number of risks while processing credit card transactions. There are a number of ways they can be compromised, as has been seen with hacks at Target and other stores.
Near-field communication (NFC) technology enables mobile devices to communicate with POS systems wirelessly, essentially bypassing the risks associated with credit card transactions. While NFC certainly is not new technology, Apple Pay has broad support this time around, as well as the Apple name behind it.
"It's the most secure combination of technology that we've ever deployed," said James Anderson, group head of mobile product development at MasterCard, which worked with Apple on Apple Pay.
Google, PayPal and Softcard have all worked toward creating wireless payment systems using mobile devices. So why wouldn't consumers ditch cards altogether? Simply because they don't need to.
"Paying with a credit card is not that difficult even if you have a fat wallet or a really messy purse," said James Wester, global research director for mobile payments at IDC Financial Insights. "Even really small children understand how a plastic card works. So to be really successful in mobile payments, you actually have to be better than any other form of payment out there, including cash and credit cards."
For its payment system to take off, Apple will have to make it seem like its system is easier, better and faster than plastic cards.
Apple has a number of other hurdles to overcome as well. The company lost a lot of consumer faith after its iCloud system was hacked and hundreds of nude photos of celebrities leaked online.
Furthermore, while 220,000 stores are ready to support Apple Pay, adoption of the technology is expected to be slow. Those 220,000 stores really aren't much compared with the number of stores in the United States. Fortunately, Apple also has a number of major retailers on board, including Walgreens, McDonald's, and the three major credit card companies. While Apple Pay is certainly safer than using credit cards, consumers don't necessarily know this.
"Expect adoption to be slow," said retail consultant Cathy Hotka. "A lot of consumers will have to be convinced that their data will remain protected. With a choice between shaving off a few seconds and having a safer transaction, consumers will choose safety."
