Apple Really Makes The iPhone As Payment Terminal

JAKARTA - Rumors that Apple will bring the iPhone's contactless payment technology last month have finally come true. The company has now introduced the "Tap to Pay" feature to make it easier for users to transact.

Basically this technology allows iPhone users to accept card payments with their devices that function like Point of Sale (POS) terminals, for debit and credit cards without touching.

So when users shop offline, the store doesn't need a dongle, terminal or other hardware for payment.

Apple does not maintain functionality exclusive to its platforms and such features will be available to third-party payment platforms.

Not only that, app developers can also integrate it into their iOS apps and offer it as a payment option to their business customers.

"As more consumers tap to pay with digital wallets and credit cards, Tap to Pay on iPhone will give businesses a secure, private, and easy way to accept contactless payments and unlock new checkout experiences using power, security, and the convenience of the iPhone," said vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, Jennifer Bailey.

“Collaborating 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 businesses."

This technology requires an iPhone XS or later and one that supports Apple Pay. This feature will initially be available in the United States (US), but will work with common payment cards from American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. American Apple Stores will support Tap to Pay on iPhone later this year.

Apple promises the same level of privacy and security that users are accustomed to with tap-to-pay functionality, including encrypted transactions. In the future, companies won't know who made the purchase or what they bought.

Cited from Engadget, Wednesday, February 9, Tap to Pay is not a surprising move. Apple bought Mobeewave in 2020 with hints that it would use the Canadian startup to turn iPhones into payment terminals.

The arrival of this feature, of course, also advances Apple's ever-evolving payment strategy including Apple Pay, Apple Pay Cash, and Apple Card.