Apple Pay To Roll Out To China UnionPay Cardholders In Early 2016

Apple announced today its partnership with China’s Union Pay that aims to bring Apple Pay to China. Apple Pay transforms mobile payments with an easy, secure and private way to pay.

“China UnionPay cardholders will be able to easily add their bank cards to Apple Pay on iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad, providing added convenience and security to everyday shopping”, Apple said in a press release.

Explaining the protection of customer payment information, the post said that UnionPay’s QuickPass and Apple Pay will work together to ensure security. When a user adds a credit or debit card, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device nor on Apple servers; rather, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in a dedicated chip called the Secure Element. Each transaction is also authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code. 

To make payment, users need to hold iPhone near China UnionPay’s QuickPass-enabled POS terminals with their finger on Touch ID to pay. With Apple Watch, users have to just double click the side button and hold the watch face up to the contactless reader to make a purchase.

“Apple Pay will roll out to China UnionPay cardholders as soon as early 2016 after relevant tests and certification required by Chinese regulators, with the service itself in compliance with the applicable national mobile payment and financial industry standards in China”, Apple said.

In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch. When paying within apps, Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro.