Apple Pay to launch in the UK

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Jun 9, 2015

UK customers with iPhones or Apple Watches will soon be one step closer to a card-and cashless life, as Apple Pay is set to launch in the country in July.

More than 250,000 locations will accept Apple Pay at launch, and users will be able to pay for many of their daily purchases via the phone.

"Apple Pay has quickly become a big part of millions of users’ everyday shopping routines, providing a simpler, faster and more secure way to pay," said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. "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."

To use Apple Pay, customers hold their iPhones near the contactless reader while keeping a finger on Touch ID, or, using Apple Watch, double clicking the side button and holding the face up to the contactless reader. Apple Pay can also be used to shop in apps.

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In addition to Britain's Apple stores, shops that will accept Apple Pay include Boots UK, BP, Costa Coffee, Dune, JD Sports, KFC UK & Ireland, Liberty, LIDL, Marks & Spencer, McDonald’s UK, Nando’s, New Look, Post Office, Pret A Manger, SPAR, Starbucks, SUBWAY stores, Wagamama and Waitrose.

"We are proud to be one of the first retailers to introduce Apple Pay at our stores across the UK. 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," said Marc Bolland, CEO of Marks & Spencer.

The payment system will also be accepted on the London Underground, meaning users can pay for their travel with their phones.