Apple taps MaterCard for Apple Pay

At yesterday’s iPhone 6 announcement, Apple announced Apple Pay, a feature that enables users to pay for goods with just the iPhone 6 or the Apple Watch. To support this, Apple has partnered with three major credit card companies, including MaterCard.

Last night, Apple unveiled Apple Pay that will enable MasterCard cardholders to use their iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch for everyday purchases. MasterCard built the foundation for secure mobile transactions, so consumers can use their cards when, where and how they want.

MasterCard worked with Apple to deliver a seamless and secure payment experience. For consumers and merchants alike, that means that every purchase made with a MasterCard using iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch will offer the security, benefits and guarantees of any MasterCard transaction.

Apple Pay transforms mobile payments with an easy, secure, and private way to make purchases. By integrating Apple hardware, software and services, Apple Pay creates a unique and incredibly intuitive experience for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch users.

Owners of the new iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch will be able to use their MasterCard credit or debit cards from participating banks directly through Apple Pay. At a store, consumers can simply pay by just holding their iPhone near a contactless reader with their finger on Touch ID and their transaction will be authenticated. For purchases within an app, consumers will simply touch to pay and authenticate with their fingerprint or passcode for a seamless experience without having to enter their card number or leave the app.

Apple Pay will be made available for U.S. consumers via a free update to iOS 8 this October. The iOS 8 update will be available for download from 17 September, but there has been no mention of when the Apple Pay service will become available in South Africa.

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