Apple launched a new technology dubbed Tap to Pay on the iPhone in February, which allows users to make contactless payments using only their iPhone as a payment terminal.
To make a contactless transaction, a client merely needs to tap their NFC iPhone or bank card on the top of the receiving device’s phone.
This feature is currently being tested at the Apple Park Visitor Center by the Apple Store. After the break, check out a video of Tap to Pay in action…
Recall that iPhones have supported contactless payments since the launch of Apple Pay in 2014.
The new Tap to Pay functionality allows users to receive payments without the need for any additional gear. All you’ll need is an iPhone XS or later.
This functionality is currently unavailable to consumers. Businesses can use it now through the Shopify and Adyen point-of-sale commerce platforms.
Apple Pay Cash is expected to offer Tap to Pay with iOS 16, allowing iPhone users to transmit money to each other simply by holding their phones close together.
Retail personnel at the Apple Store have been able to accept Apple Pay payments through their phones for years thanks to a unique attachment case that snaps to the device.
These attachments are technically unnecessary now that iPhone software includes Tap to Pay. This activity can be seen here, where a customer has recorded a transaction taking place at Apple Park’s Visitor Center:
The Apple Park Visitor Center is one of the only apple retail stores in the US to support contactless pay straight from an iPhone. Awesome to see in person! pic.twitter.com/GiFDiL56OO
— Michael  (@NTFTWT) May 15, 2022
The Visitor Center is frequently used as a test bed for future Apple Store modifications, either before they are carried out more widely or discarded owing to teething issues.
Tap to Pay appears to be a global phenomenon, as it allows Apple to provide the same experience as before — but without the need for additional hardware.