Walmart is set to start supporting Apple Pay and other contactless payment methods beginning August 24, a move that marks the end of its long-running resistance to these technologies. The rollout will start in select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations and is expected to reach every store across the U.S. by the end of 2026. Fuel station locations will follow, with support launching by mid-2027. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
What’s Changing at the Checkout
The update introduces broad contactless payment support. From late August, customers will be able to pay using Apple Pay via iPhone and Apple Watch, as well as Google Pay, compatible contactless credit and debit cards, and other wallet platforms. Walmart’s own cards—including those from Walmart, Sam’s Club, and OnePay—can also be added to digital wallets to be used in-store. Existing payment options, such as the QR code-based Walmart Pay, won’t go away; they’ll remain alongside the newer methods. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
Why Walmart Held Back—and Why It’s Changing Now
For over a decade, Walmart resisted adopting Apple Pay, pushing its own Walmart Pay system instead. That meant shoppers had to link a card to the Walmart app and scan a QR code at checkout—while most major retailers already offered tap-to-pay. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/)) The shift comes after sustained pressure from customers who’ve grown frustrated with Walmart’s lack of support for contactless wallets—especially as competitors embraced the technology years ago. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
Retailers such as Kroger, Home Depot, and H-E-B are examples of previous holdouts that eventually enabled Apple Pay and contactless payments after earlier resistance. Walmart now joins their ranks. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
Timeline & What to Expect
- Starting August 24: Select Walmart and Sam’s Club stores get contactless payments including Apple Pay. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
- By the end of 2026: All Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in the U.S. will support these methods. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
- Mid-2027: Fuel stations owned by Walmart/Sam’s Club will add contactless payment options. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
This shift lets customers use Apple Pay via their iPhones or Apple Watches, along with other modern options. It’s a long-coming change for many. Walmart’s earlier stance was that Walmart Pay was a superior solution—emphasizing QR codes and app-based checkouts—despite widespread adoption of tap-to-pay among consumers. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
Overall, this move reflects Walmart’s recognition that contactless payments are now a baseline expectation for large retailers. By embracing Apple Pay and other wallet services, Walmart aims to reduce friction at checkout and meet customers where they are. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/21/walmart-finally-launching-apple-pay-support-next-week/))
This rollout doesn’t appear to affect Walmart’s ecosystem decisions around fees or partnerships today—but the change could signal further shifts toward open standards for payments. Watch for possible adjustments in how Walmart manages in-store transactions, third-party wallet integrations, and security protocols as it brings systems up to speed in coming months.
