Apple has officially introduced its "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature in Canada, enabling businesses to accept contactless payments without needing additional point-of-sale hardware like Square Terminals. This innovative feature allows customers to make payments by simply tapping their iPhone, Apple Watch, contactless credit or debit cards, or any other contactless payment option on the merchant's iPhone.
Utilizing the same NFC technology that powers Apple Pay, Tap to Pay on iPhone ensures secure transactions.
How Tap to Pay on iPhone Works
Tap to Pay on iPhone transforms an iPhone into a payment terminal, eliminating the need for traditional hardware. Customers can use their contactless payment methods to tap and pay directly on the merchant's iPhone, streamlining the payment process. This advancement makes it easier for businesses, especially small ones, to offer contactless payment options without the hassle and cost of renting or purchasing additional devices.
Tap to Pay on iPhone Now in Canada
In Canada, businesses can integrate Tap to Pay on iPhone through various iPhone apps provided by Adyen, Moneris, Stripe, and Square, MacRumors reports.
Apple has announced that in the coming months, additional platforms such as Aurus, Chase, Fiserv, and Helcim will also support this feature. Apple Store locations across Canada will start offering Tap to Pay on iPhone, and merchants like Sephora are expected to follow suit later this year.
Japan Embraces Tap to Pay on iPhone
Apple continues to roll out Tap to Pay on iPhone in various countries, with Japan being the latest addition, as per 9to5Mac.
Initially, the feature will be supported by financial service companies such as GMO Financial Gate Co, Recruit Co, and Square, with Ayden joining in the coming months.
Japanese Apple Stores will also adopt this technology, marking a significant step in expanding Apple's payment solutions internationally.
Evolution of Card Payment Technology
Tap to Pay on iPhone represents the fourth generation of card payment technology for small businesses:
- Wired Card Payment Terminals: Required rental fees and physical connectivity.
- Wireless Versions: Still involved rental costs but provided more flexibility.
- Standalone Bluetooth Devices: Connected to iPhones, involved a one-time purchase.
- Tap to Pay on iPhone: Eliminates the need for any additional hardware, relying solely on the iPhone for contactless payments.
This latest advancement offers exceptional convenience for businesses, although it is limited to contactless payments, which may have varying transaction limits.
Global Expansion of Tap to Pay on iPhone
Since its initial announcement in 2022, Tap to Pay on iPhone has gradually expanded in the US through a variety of payment processors and internationally to countries including Taiwan, Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil, Ukraine, and France.
Earlier this year, PayPal integrated the technology for its Venmo and Zettle customers in the US, further broadening its reach.
The feature even arrived on Alaska Airlines in November. Just make sure that your NFC-enabled smartphone is linked to your Apple Wallet account.
By eliminating the need for additional hardware, Apple is making it easier for businesses to adopt modern payment methods, enhancing both customer convenience and business efficiency.
