Apple enables contactless payments between iPhones with Tap to Pay in US

Apple makes it possible for users in the United States to pay with an iPhone without going through other devices. All a seller and customer need for Tap to Pay is an iPhone and payment method, such as a credit card or Apple Pay.

Apple announces Tap to Pay for iPhone on Tuesday. This new functionality makes it possible to make a transaction by holding two iPhones together. Payment is made via the NFC chip. As a result, a seller no longer needs a separate payment terminal to allow customers to pay with Apple Pay or with a credit or debit card.

Tap to Pay is intended for both large companies and small entrepreneurs. Apple CEO Jennifer Bailey says in a statement that Tap to Pay collaborates with multiple payment platforms: “In collaboration with payment platforms, app developers and payment networks, it should be possible for both large and small companies to allow customers to pay contactless.” Payment service Stripe is the first platform that will allow Tap to Pay.

More payment services are planned to be added to Tap to Pay in the coming months. The iPhone XS and all models after that support Tap to Pay, according to Apple. The service has only been announced for US users and businesses. Apple hasn’t announced anything about the release of Tap to Pay in other countries.

The technology of Tap to Pay probably comes from Mobeewave. This company developed software to use smartphones with an NFC chip as a payment terminal. Apple acquired this company in 2020. Previous rumors about Tap to Pay also suggested that it is technology from Mobeewave.