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Apple Expands Tap to Pay on iPhone in Retail Stores
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Apple Expands Tap to Pay on iPhone in Retail Stores

WireByte Staff · July 12, 2026

Apple plans to equip more retail employees with newer iPhone 16 units to expand its use of Tap to Pay on iPhone, a system that allows contactless payments without point-of-sale hardware. This move aims to improve payment efficiency and eliminate the need for specialized terminals. The expansion follows the feature's introduction in 2022, which initially saw limited usage in some stores.

Key points

  • Apple will provide newer iPhone 16 units to retail employees to expand Tap to Pay on iPhone usage.
  • The iPhone 16 is said to better support metal cards, eliminating the need for specialized terminals.
  • Tap to Pay on iPhone allows contactless payments without point-of-sale hardware, using NFC technology.
  • The feature was introduced in 2022, with initial limited usage in some stores.
  • Apple's retail employees have been testing the feature with iPhone 14 units, with mixed results.

Apple is expanding its use of Tap to Pay on iPhone in retail stores, equipping more employees with newer iPhone 16 units. This move aims to improve payment efficiency and eliminate the need for specialized terminals. The feature, which allows contactless payments without point-of-sale hardware, was introduced in 2022. However, initial usage was limited due to issues with supporting metal cards.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has found that the iPhone 16 does a better job of supporting metal cards, such as American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve. This improvement is expected to make Tap to Pay on iPhone more reliable and efficient in retail settings.

The expansion of Tap to Pay on iPhone follows Apple's recent introduction of new accessories, including chargers, stands, and power banks. These products are available in bright color options and are designed to appeal to customers looking for a splash of color in their summer accessories.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.