Apple has officially launched its Tap to Pay feature on iPhone within the United Arab Emirates, a significant development that enables businesses to utilise their iPhones as payment terminals without the need for additional hardware. This rollout represents an advancement in mobile payment technology, allowing merchants to accept transactions through various means, including Apple Pay, contactless debit and credit cards, and a range of digital wallets.

The technology is powered by Near Field Communication (NFC), which ensures secure transaction authentication and supports PIN entry with various accessibility options. In terms of user privacy, Apple has stated that it does not store or track any purchase details, a feature that reinforces the company’s commitment to safeguarding consumer information.

The payment process is straightforward for sellers. By opening their designated payment application, merchants can register the sale and present their iPhone to the purchasing customer. Shoppers are then able to use their chosen contactless payment method seamlessly. It is important to note that this feature requires an iPhone XS or more recent models to function.

In the UAE, the initial platforms facilitating Tap to Pay include prominent financial services providers such as Adyen, Magnati, and Network International. The feature is compatible with major card networks including American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, thereby broadening its accessibility to a diverse user base.

The introduction of Tap to Pay in the UAE follows its initial launch in the United States in February 2022, and its subsequent expansion to other countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy. Apple is actively working to bring this functionality to new regions, contributing to the evolution of contactless payment systems on a global scale.

This new capability is expected to be particularly beneficial for small businesses, as it removes the necessity for costly card machines while providing a modern, secure, and efficient payment experience. With the launch of Tap to Pay, businesses across the UAE can now process payments with as much ease as their customers experience when making transactions, all through the use of their iPhones.

Source: Noah Wire Services