Apple's mobile payment and digital wallet has now launched in the UK, but some banks have missed the boat at initial launch.
In October 2014, Apple released Apple Pay only in the U.S. The mobile payment system allows users to make payments with specific Apple devices, including the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Watch-compatible devices (iPhone 5 and later models), iPad mini 3 and iPad Air 2.
The service does not need Apple-specific contactless payment terminals and works with other terminals, such as MasterCard's PayPass, Visa's PayWave and more.
On Tuesday, July 14, Apple Pay was also released in the UK, which will allow owners of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch to make contactless payments via their devices at more than 250,000 locations across the UK.
"Apple Pay has quickly become a big part of millions of users' everyday shopping routines, providing a simpler, faster and more secure way to pay," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior VP of Internet Software and Services. "We're thrilled to bring Apple Pay to the UK with support at launch from the most popular banks, an incredible roster of merchants and many of our users' favorite apps."
A number of retailers, such as Boots, Costa Coffee, BP, Lidl, KFC, Marks and Spencer, Pret, McDonalds, Subway, Waitrose, Wagamama and more will start accepting payments through Apple Pay. Post offices and Transport for London will also accept payments from Apple Pay.
"You can now use Apple Pay to pay as you go on Tube, bus, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London," per Transport for London.
Banks in the UK that issue Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit and debit cards that are supporting Apple Pay at launch include Nationwide, MBNA, NatWest, Ulster Bank, Santander and Royal Bank of Scotland.
However, a number of banks in the UK that include First Direct, HSBC, Halifax, Lloyds, TSB and M&S Bank did not come onboard at launch but will join in the near term.
Barclays is the only major UK bank that has not yet confirmed its partnership with Apple Pay. However, Barclays has tweeted about bringing its credit and debit cards to Apple Pay in the future.
Apple Pay users will be able to make payments to a maximum of £20 (around $31.29 USD) in the UK, which will be raised to £30 (around $47 USD) by September of this year. However, some retailers may support bigger payments.
