It seems that the day isn’t very far, when everyone will start using their smartphones to pay for their purchases, instead of money or credit or debit cards. At least, Apple’s latest announcement suggests that. The computer hardware and software giant Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) announced last month that Apple Pay has got some additional features such as reward programs and store-issued credit and debit cards. Apple also mentioned that Apple Pay is making everyday purchasing even easier due to these features that are added to the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 9.
“Pay easier with Apple Pay.”
New Apple iOS loaded with features like Apple Pay and more
The ninth iteration of iOS will come with lots of new features. The software will feature Apple Pay which will let customers use store-issued credit or debit cards and reward programs. Besides this, Apple Pay will also accept debit and credit cards of all major banks across the US. The new iOS also consists of the all-new and modified ‘Passbook’; the app that helps you store, tickets, boarding passes, gift cards and coupons. With latest features, Passbook can also be used as a digital wallet, which will offer more options to pay-by-phone facility.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, mentioned at the time of announcement,
“Apple Pay has kicked off a new era of payments and our users love the incredibly easy, secure and private way to pay. We’re bringing our customers the most requested features with support for rewards and store-issued cards, and expanding how and where Apple Pay is accepted, which truly transforms the way people pay.”
As Apple decided to include more and more store-issued credit and debit cards and reward programs in Apple Pay, number of consumer brands has started following suit. Reward programs by Walgreens Balance Rewards, (USA’s largest drugstore loyalty program), Yes2You Reward by Kohl’s Department Stores and several other brands like Coca-Cola, Dunkin’ Donuts, Panera Bread, Wegmans Food Markets and JCPenney have already joined hands with Apple Pay.
Apple is on a continuous journey of making people’s lives easier and Apple Pay is certainly one important step towards this aim.