Apple has announced plans to launch its new “Tap to Pay” feature for its iPhone. In addition to making it easier for merchants to pay, Apple Pay users will technically be able to use the feature to make cryptocurrency payments.
Apple intends to launch “Tap to Pay” for its iPhone
On its website, Apple announced plans to launch the “Tap to Pay” feature on iPhone. The goal is to allow merchants to receive contactless payments using their mobile device as a point of sale.
“Working with payment platforms, app developers and payment networks, we’re making it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes – from entrepreneurs to large retailers – to seamlessly accept contactless payments and continue to grow their business,”t.
said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president for Apple Pay and Apple Walle
While this feature should make it easier to pay with merchants, the question arises for cryptocurrencies.
According to the U.S. brand, the Tap to Pay feature will expand across multiple devices:
“Tap to Pay on iPhone will work with contactless credit and debit cards from major payment networks, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa as well as other digital wallets.”
So, and unless Apple decides otherwise, this means, for example, that Coinbase card users will be able to use their cryptocurrencies to make payments via this new feature.
To the extent that the platform allows users to convert their cryptocurrencies into fiat currency in real time for payments, an Apple Pay user could theoretically use the Tap to Pay feature.
Apple’s CEO takes a look at cryptocurrencies
In an interview that took place last November, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that he holds cryptocurrencies.
Nonetheless, the latter was cautious and refrained from saying which crypto-currencies he held exactly.
“Yes, I own some. I think it’s reasonable to hold them within a diversified portfolio. I’ve been interested in them for a while. I’ve done my research, I think it’s an interesting area,”
he added.
Recently, during a quarterly conference, the Apple CEO also mentioned the strong potential of the metaverse sector. Moreover, he did not fail to mention that the company was already investing in augmented reality on its devices.
