Apple has launched Tap to Pay on iPhone in South Africa, giving local merchants a new way to accept in-person contactless payments using only an iPhone.

The feature allows businesses to take payments from contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and other digital wallets through a supported iOS app. Apple says no extra card machine or payment terminal is needed.

That means smaller businesses, pop-up sellers, mobile service providers and on-the-go merchants can accept payments wherever they operate, as long as they use a supported app and compatible iPhone.

How it Works at Checkout

At checkout, the merchant prompts the customer to hold a contactless card, iPhone, Apple Watch or supported digital wallet near the merchant’s iPhone.

The payment is then completed using NFC technology, the same short-range technology used for many tap-and-go payments. Apple says merchants need an iPhone XS or later running the latest version of iOS.

The launch is aimed at businesses of all sizes, but it could be especially useful for smaller operators who want card payment access without buying extra hardware.

Yoco and iStore Pay Lead the Rollout

Apple says iStore Pay and Yoco are the first payment platforms in South Africa to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone. The company says payment platforms and app developers can integrate the feature into their iOS apps.

Tap to Pay on iPhone supports Apple Pay, other digital wallets and contactless cards from Mastercard and Visa. Apple says American Express support is coming soon.

Apple Says Payment Data Stays Private

Apple has placed security at the centre of the feature.

The company says transactions made through Tap to Pay on iPhone are encrypted and processed using the Secure Element. Apple also says it does not know what is being bought or who is buying it.

Apple says it does not store card numbers or transaction information on the device or on its servers, although some limits and card acceptance restrictions may apply. For South African merchants, the launch adds a leaner and more flexible way to take tap payments.