Apple has announced the availability of Tap to Pay on iPhone in the United Kingdom. Tap to Pay allows retailers, both large and small, in the country to use an iPhone as a payment terminal.
Introduced in February 2022, the feature allows users with compatible iPhones to accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and from other digital wallets.
Individuals and merchants with an iPhone XS or newer can accept contactless payments through supported iPhone apps. The merchant will simply hold out their iPhone, and the customer will hold their iPhone, Apple Watch, another digital wallet, or contactless credit card near the device and a secure payment will be made via NFC technology.
“We’ve seen Tap to Pay on iPhone transform the checkout experience for so many different types of businesses, and we’re thrilled to now support merchants across the U.K. by offering an easy, secure, and private way to accept contactless payments using the power, security, and convenience of iPhone, with no additional hardware needed,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “Small and medium-sized businesses have long played a vital role in the U.K. economy, and alongside payment platforms, app developers, and payment networks, we’re making it easier than ever for U.K. businesses to seamlessly accept contactless payments and continue to grow their business.”
Revolut and Tyl by NatWest are the first payment platforms to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone to their U.K. business customers. Adyen, Dojo, myPOS, Stripe, SumUp, Viva Wallet, Worldline, and Zettle by PayPal will offer it soon. Tap to Pay on iPhone will become available in Apple Store locations in the U.K. in the coming weeks.
Apple Pay is accepted by more than 90% of US retailers, and with this new capability, virtually every business, big or small, will be able to allow their customers to Tap to Pay on iPhone at checkout.