Apple Pay has officially launched in the Philippines, enabling iPhone and Apple Watch users to make contactless payments using their devices. This expansion allows users to add supported debit and credit cards to the Wallet app for seamless transactions.
To set up Apple Pay, users can open the Wallet app and tap the “+” button to add their cards. Supported banks include UnionBank, GoTyme, Metrobank, and Chinabank. Card verification is completed via SMS or phone call. Once added, these cards can be used at retail locations that accept Apple Pay, such as Starbucks and 7-Eleven.
Apple Pay is a secure, contactless payment service that allows users to make purchases in stores, on websites, and in apps using an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. It utilizes NFC technology and is supported by security features like Face ID and Touch ID.
The introduction of Apple Pay in the Philippines follows the earlier launch of Google Pay in the country. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has clarified that both Apple Pay and Google Pay are considered technology service providers and are not required to register as operators of payment systems (OPS). This classification allows them to operate without additional regulatory hurdles.
Local banks have been preparing for this rollout. For instance, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been in discussions with both Apple Pay and Google Pay to support their services. BPI President and CEO Jose Teodoro Limcaoco indicated that the bank aimed to be ready to support these digital wallets by 2026.
With the launch of Apple Pay, Filipino consumers now have more options for digital payments, enhancing convenience and security in their transactions. This development aligns with the country’s ongoing shift towards a cashless economy, offering users a seamless and efficient payment experience.
