Apple launches Apple Pay in the Philippines

Shoppers can authenticate transactions through Face ID Touch ID or a device passcode.

Apple has launched its mobile payment service, Apple Pay, in the Philippines, enabling users to make contactless payments using iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs.

The service supports in-store, in-app, and web transactions. To make an in-store payment, users double-click the side or Home button on their device, authenticate via Face ID or Touch ID, and hold the device near a contactless reader.

At launch, credit and debit cardholders from Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank can link their cards to Apple Pay. 

Participating banks are also offering instant virtual cards through their mobile applications and websites, allowing immediate integration with the platform. 

Customers using the service will retain all existing card rewards and benefits.

On security, physical credit and debit card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple servers. 

Instead, transactions use an encrypted Device Account Number stored on an isolated chip called the Secure Element. 

Apple does not keep transaction details that identify individual users, restricting payment data to the customer, merchant, and issuing bank. If a device is lost or stolen, payments can be locked or suspended remotely using the Find My application.

Participating retailers and brands in the country include Abenson, Anko, Ayala Malls, Beyond the Box, Coach, Digimap, Foot Locker, Globe, HOKA, Hollister, Jollibee, Lush, Power Mac Centre, Rustan’s, SaladStop!, Shake Shack, Smart, The Loop, The Matcha Tokyo, The Movie Snackbar, The Underbelly, and WalterMart Supermarket. 

Online and application support includes foodpanda, Jollibee, Rustan’s, and Shopee. Payment processor Maya Business is also enabling the feature for more than 5,000 online merchants.  

Globally, Apple Pay is operating in over 90 countries and regions with support from more than 11,000 bank partners.