Apple Pay launches in the Philippines for shoppers

Apple has launched Apple Pay in the Philippines, making the service available for purchases in stores, in apps and on the web.

The launch gives Apple device users in the country access to the company's digital payments service on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.

At launch, cardholders from Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank and UnionBank can use Apple Pay with eligible debit, credit or prepaid Mastercard and Visa cards. Some customers can also apply for a virtual card through their bank app or website and add it to Apple Pay immediately after it is issued.

Apple said thousands of merchants in the Philippines are accepting the service from the outset. The initial list includes retailers such as Abenson, Anko, Ayala Malls, Beyond the Box, Coach, Foot Locker, Globe, Jollibee, Lush, Power Mac Centre, Rustan's, Shake Shack and WalterMart Supermarket, as well as online services including foodpanda, Shopee and Jollibee.

Maya Business, a payment processor in the Philippines, is also beginning to enable Apple Pay for more than 5,000 online merchants.

Bank support

The move adds the Philippines to a network where Apple Pay is already available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank partners worldwide, according to Apple.

Digital wallet adoption has grown across Southeast Asia as banks, card networks and merchants push contactless payments and online checkout options. Apple's entry into the Philippine market places it in a payments sector where consumers are already familiar with mobile banking apps and eCommerce platforms.

Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet at Apple, linked the launch to changing consumer behaviour in the country.

"The Philippines is home to a digital-first generation that is rapidly embracing a vision for a cashless future, all while expecting security and privacy at every step," Bailey said.

"Apple Pay makes everyday payments simple, secure and seamless - whether users are shopping in stores or online - with no need to open another app. We're thrilled to bring Apple Pay to users in the Philippines, making it easier than ever to pay with the privacy and security they expect from the devices they love," Bailey added.

How it works

In shops, users can pay by double-clicking the side button or Home button on an iPhone, authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, and holding the device near a contactless reader. Apple Watch users can also pay at contactless terminals.

On iPhone, iPad and Mac, customers can use Apple Pay for purchases in apps or on websites without repeatedly entering card details, billing information or shipping information. Users continue to receive the same rewards and benefits attached to their payment cards, according to Apple.

Security focus

Apple said card numbers are not stored on the device or on its servers when a credit or debit card is used with Apple Pay. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and stored in the device's Secure Element.

The company said it also does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the user when payments are made with Apple Pay. If a device is lost or stolen, users can use the Find My app to locate it, lock it or suspend payments.

The rollout expands the reach of Apple's wallet and payments business in Asia and gives local banks and merchants another checkout option for Apple customers. It also reflects growing competition between global technology groups and domestic financial firms for a larger share of everyday digital payments.

Support at launch covers retailers of different sizes, and more merchants will be added, Apple said. Maya Business will begin enabling Apple Pay for more than 5,000 online merchants.