Apple launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in the UAE

With the region increasingly adopting digital and contactless payments, Apple has launched ‘Tap to Pay’ on iPhone in the UAE, allowing merchants to securely process contactless transactions directly through their iPhones.

This new feature eliminates the need for traditional point-of-sale (POS) hardware, offering an innovative, streamlined payment solution for businesses of all sizes.

Whether you’re a small vendor or a large enterprise, the feature provides a simple and secure way to accept payments — straight from your phone.

No hardware, no hassle

The key feature of Tap to Pay on iPhone lies in its simplicity and convenience. Merchants no longer need to invest in or manage additional payment terminals.

Using just an iPhone (iPhone Xs or later), a supporting iOS app, and the latest iOS version, businesses can accept payments from a wide range of contactless payment methods, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets.

Here’s how it works: At checkout, customers can tap their contactless payment method — whether it’s a credit card, an iPhone, or an Apple Watch — near the merchant’s iPhone, and the payment will be securely processed via NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

No extra equipment is required, making it easier for businesses to accept payments wherever they operate, whether it’s in-store, at events, or on the go.

Seamless integration

To ensure smooth adoption and a reliable payment experience, Apple has partnered with several key players in the payment industry. Adyen, Magnati, and Network International are the first payment platforms in the UAE to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone.

These partnerships help streamline the process for businesses, allowing app developers to easily integrate the service into their iOS apps. This integration is designed to be seamless, giving merchants the flexibility to start accepting payments without the need for complex installations or additional hardware.

The service supports payments from all major credit and debit cards, including those from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, further enhancing the versatility of the solution.

For businesses that rely on quick, secure transactions, this offers an efficient and future-proof way to handle payments.

Apple focused on privacy and security

Apple has built its reputation on prioritising privacy and security, and Tap to Pay on iPhone is no exception.

All payment data is encrypted and processed using the Secure Element, a hardware-based feature that ensures sensitive information is kept safe during each transaction. Importantly, Apple does not store or access transaction data, meaning businesses and customers alike can have peace of mind knowing their payment details are protected.

This emphasis on privacy extends across Apple’s payment ecosystem, ensuring that every transaction is as secure as it is convenient.

Read: Apple announces major retail expansion in Saudi Arabia