In January, Apple was reported to be working on a feature with NFC technology that would allow iPhone users to accept card payments via contactless technology without any additional hardware.
Now that the feature has been officially announced by Apple, iPhone devices will function like Points of Sales (POS) terminals for debit and credit cards.
Apple announced the feature, called Tap to Pay, will debut in the spring, under a partnership with financial firm Stripe.
Reporting us from Gizmochina, this feature will power millions of swordsmen across the US from small businesses to large retailers where they will accept payments such as Apple Pay, credit and debit with one tap on consumers' iPhones.
The Tap to Pay feature will also be available to third-party payment platforms and app developers where they can integrate the feature into apps and offer customers payment options.
"As more consumers tap to pay with digital wallets and credit cards, Tap to Pay on iPhone will give businesses a secure, private, and easy way to accept contactless payments and unlock new checkout experiences using the power, security, and convenience of iPhone. ." said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Wallet.
This payment feature will also be available to third-party payment platforms and app developers. Thus, they can integrate features into the app and offer customers payment options.
"Collaborating with payment platforms, app developers and payment networks, we're making it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes - from solopreneurs to large retailers - to seamlessly accept contactless payments and continue to grow their businesses," said Jennifer.
Tap to Pay will be available for iPhone XS devices and above and can be used via supported iOS apps.
For now, Stripe's partner companies have launched a guide page for this new feature and allow businesses and individuals to participate in beta testing.