From large retailers to market stall holders, businesses of all sizes in Australia can now accept in-person contactless payments via Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone.
Contactless payments are becoming more widespread in Australia. From supermarkets to public transport, contactless payment systems are becoming more common, providing a quick and easy way to make transactions without the need for physical contact. This latest effort from Apple better equips businesses in the region by giving them the ability to accept Apple Pay, contactless debit and credit cards, and other digital wallets, by just using their iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS app—without the need for any payment terminals or additional hardware.
Tap to Pay can be enabled via a supporting iOS app on an iPhone X—or any newer mode— running on iOS 16.4 or later. Once it has been enabled, merchants must instruct customers to position their iPhone or Apple Watch to pay with Apple Pay, their contactless debit or credit card, or digital wallet close to the merchant’s device. The payment will then be processed with NFC technology. The Tap to Pay function will also support PIN entry.
“Australia is a nation of entrepreneurs and innovators, and small and medium-sized businesses are at the heart of the country’s workforce, employing millions of Australians. Now, with Tap to Pay on iPhone it’s easier than ever for businesses of any size to seamlessly accept contactless payments using only their iPhone, wherever they do business,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, in a prepared statement.
“The convenience of Tap to Pay on iPhone empowers Australian businesses to offer easy, secure, and private contactless payment experiences to their customers, and help them run and grow their business,” she added.
Contactless payments have surged since the pandemic and have become a preferred payment method, especially among younger demographics. As it continues to grow in popularity worldwide, it may very well become the standard payment method.