Apple Pay is now officially available in the Philippines, allowing eligible iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac users to add Philippine-issued credit and debit cards to Apple Wallet and make contactless payments.
Apple announced the launch on 4 August, giving Filipino consumers another option for making payments in shops, through apps and online wherever contactless payments are accepted.
At launch, the service supports cards issued by China Banking Corp. (Chinabank), GoTyme Bank Corp., Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank). Apple said the list of participating banks and merchants is expected to expand as the rollout continues.
“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,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice-president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
“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.”
Four Banks Support Apple Pay at Launch
Apple’s Apple Pay Philippines page lists Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank and UnionBank as the banks supporting the service at launch. It also lists physical retailers, online merchants and e-commerce platforms that accept Apple Pay.
The lists are expected to be updated as additional banks and businesses join the service.
“Maya Business, a leading payment processor in the Philippines, will also begin enabling Apple Pay for over 5,000 online merchants,” Apple said in its statement. Maya Business is part of the Maya Group, or Maya Innovations Holdings, Pte. Ltd.
Payment networks Visa and Mastercard have also confirmed support for Apple Pay in the Philippines.
Eligible debit and credit cardholders can add their cards to Apple Wallet on supported devices. For in-store purchases, users can authenticate a payment and hold their device near a contactless payment terminal.
Supported cards must have near-field communication (NFC) technology activated and must be verified when they are added to Apple Wallet. Apple Pay is integrated into compatible Apple devices, so users do not need to download a separate application.
The service comes as digital payments continue to expand in the Philippines. Apple Pay’s arrival also follows Google’s launch of Google Pay in the country nearly a year earlier, giving consumers access to another major mobile payment platform.
Both services allow users to add eligible credit and debit cards to their devices rather than carrying a physical card. They can then use compatible smartphones and smartwatches to make payments using contactless technology and device authentication.
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Apple Pay Uses Device-Based Security
Apple said security is built into the Apple Pay system, with users required to authenticate purchases using Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode.
When a card is added, Apple assigns it a unique Device Account Number. The number is encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard certified chip designed to protect payment information on the device.
“Your identity isn’t shared with merchants, and they don’t see your actual card number. And your card numbers are never stored on Apple servers,” Apple said.
“When you pay with a debit or credit card, Apple doesn’t keep transaction information that can be tied back to you.”
Compatible devices include iPhone models with Face ID or Touch ID, excluding the iPhone 5s. Supported iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad and iPad mini models with Face ID or Touch ID can also use Apple Pay.
Apple Watch Series 1 and later models are supported, while compatible Mac devices include models with Touch ID. Mac models introduced in 2012 or later can also use Apple Pay when paired with an Apple Pay-enabled iPhone or Apple Watch. Mac computers with Apple silicon paired with a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID are also compatible.
“The launch of Apple Pay enables secure, seamless, and convenient payment experiences for consumers in the Philippines,” said Jason Crasto, country manager of Mastercard in the Philippines.
“As digital adoption continues to accelerate in this region, we’re excited to continue connecting people to the payment choices they want and the peace of mind they need every time they pay.”
With more banks and merchants expected to join, Apple Pay’s availability in the Philippines adds another option for consumers looking to make everyday payments without using a physical card.
