Skip to main content

Tap to Pay on iPhone continues rollout, reaching Japan

Apple is continuing the rollout of Tap to Pay on iPhone, with Japan the latest country to allow small businesses to accept contactless payment without the need for a card terminal.

In addition to expanding into more countries, we’ve also seen increasing opportunities to use the tech for both businesses and customers alike …

Tap to Pay on iPhone

Tap to Pay on iPhone is effectively a 4th generation of card payment tech for small businesses:

  • Wired card payment terminals, with rental fees
  • Wireless versions, which still had to be rented
  • Standalone devices using a Bluetooth connection to an iPhone, with a one-off cost
  • Tap to Pay on iPhone

With the latter, there’s no need for any additional hardware of any kind. Instead, the consumer taps their card, iPhone, or Apple Watch against the iPhone owned by the business – though it should be noted that it’s of course limited to contactless payments, which have varying transaction limits which may not be suitable for all companies.

The feature was first announced in 2022, with a gradual rollout in the US through a growing range of payment processors. It later expanded internationally to TaiwanAustraliathe UKthe NetherlandsBrazilUkraine, and France

Earlier this year, PayPal adopted the tech for Venmo and Zettle customers in the US.

Japanese launch

Apple yesterday announced that the feature is now available in Japan. The company said that initially it will be supported by three financial services companies:

  • GMO Financial Gate Co
  • Recruit Co
  • Square

Ayden will follow sometime within the next few months.

Tap to Pay on iPhone will also be used in Japanese Apple Stores.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications