Apple has announced the expansion of its Tap to Pay on iPhone feature to nine additional European countries, making it easier for businesses to accept contactless payments without extra hardware. The feature, which debuted in the U.S. in 2022, has been gradually rolling out worldwide, reaching the U.K., France, Japan, and other EU countries in previous years.
New Markets and Supported Payment Platforms
The latest rollout includes Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Businesses in these regions can now accept Visa and Mastercard payments directly on their iPhones using Tap to Pay. Various financial institutions and payment processors will support the service, including Adyen, Mollie, Revolut, Stripe, SumUp, and Worldline, among others.
Each country has a different list of supporting banks and payment providers. In Poland, for instance, eService with PKO Bank and Planet Pay will enable the service. Meanwhile, Switzerland will see participation from Nexi, myPOS, and hobex in the near future.
Simplifying Transactions for Merchants
Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone eliminates the need for external card readers. Merchants can use their iPhones as a point-of-sale device, enhancing the ease and security of digital transactions. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Wallet, emphasized that the feature enhances checkout experiences for businesses, offering a secure and private way to accept payments.
Future Expansion Expected
While Apple has confirmed the feature’s availability starting today, the rollout might take a few weeks to reach all supported businesses. Given the company’s track record, further expansion to additional countries is anticipated in the future.
With the growing trend of contactless payments, Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone positions itself as a game-changer for small and large businesses alike. The expansion aligns with Apple’s broader push toward digital financial solutions, solidifying its presence in global commerce.
