Apple announced the iOS 9 mobile operating system at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. The company expects to release iOS 9 to consumers in the fall.
The updated operating system contains a number of enhancements to Apple Pay and the Passbook app, which will be renamed Wallet. The new Wallet app integrates support for merchant rewards programs and store-issued credit and debit cards. To use this new functionality, users simply add participating loyalty program cards or store-issued credit cards to the app. The app applies this loyalty or payment information seamlessly at checkout, according to Apple.
Retailers that have announced plans to support Wallet’s loyalty card storage include: Dunkin’ Donuts, Kohl’s, Walgreens and Wegman’s. Store-branded credit cards for BJ’s Wholesale Club, Kohl’s and JCPenney also will be available to load upon launch.
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“Providing our shoppers with innovative ways to pay while offering flexibility supports our commitment to delivering a simple and convenient customer experience,” said Kevin Mansell, Chairman, CEO and President of Kohl’s. “By integrating with Apple Pay in all of our stores, Kohl’s customers can choose how they want to pay, whether using their Kohl’s Charge or Yes2You Rewards loyalty points, payments are easy and secure.”
Apple also announced that Apple Pay will support Discover cards beginning in the fall. With this addition, Apple Pay will accept credit and debit card purchases across all major credit card networks, which represent 98% of all credit card purchase volume in the U.S. The company also expects to expand merchant acceptance to more than one million locations next month.
“Apple Pay has kicked off a new era of payments and our users love the incredibly easy, secure and private way to pay,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s SVP of Internet Software and Services. “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.”
Apple Pay Expands Internationally
Beginning in July, Apple Pay will be available to UK consumers. At launch, more than 250,000 locations in the UK will accept Apple Pay, and eight banks across all major credit and debit card networks will offer support.
“We’re thrilled to bring Apple Pay to the UK with support at launch from the most popular banks, an incredible roster of merchants and many of our users’ favorite apps,” said Cue.
Brands that plan to support Apple Pay in the UK include Boots UK, Marks & Spencer, McDonald’s UK, Starbucks and SUBWAY stores. Public transportation in London also will accept Apple Pay.
“We are proud to be one of the first retailers to introduce Apple Pay at our stores across the UK,” said Marc Bolland, CEO of Marks & Spencer. “Whether customers are enjoying our special food range or our clothing collections, our early introduction of Apple Pay will provide them with a seamless and secure way of checking out”
