The UAE becomes the latest market to benefit from this feature, following its initial rollout in the US in 2022
What is Tap to Pay on iPhone?
Tap to Pay on iPhone allows businesses to use their iPhones as contactless card readers, simplifying payment processes for merchants and customers alike. Here's how it works:
Merchants can accept payments by holding their iPhone near a customer's contactless card or digital wallet. No external card readers or payment terminals are required.The feature is compatible with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express and works through payment platforms like Adyen, Magnati, and Network International in the UAE.
A Gradual Global Rollout
The launch in the UAE is part of Apple's measured global expansion of Tap to Pay:
May 2022: Debut in the US, starting with Apple Stores. 2023: Expansion to the UK and France. May 2024: Launch in Japan. December 2024: Arrival in the UAE.Security and Convenience
Apple emphasizes the security and privacy of the Tap to Pay system, with transactions encrypted and processed directly on the device. Speaking at the 2022 launch, Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay and Wallet, noted the feature's potential to revolutionize checkouts by offering an "easy, secure, and private" way to accept payments.
Impact in the UAE
The UAE is a burgeoning market for digital wallets and cashless payments, making this a strategic move for Apple. The convenience of Tap to Pay on iPhone aligns with the country’s push for digital transformation and adoption of smart retail technologies.