From next month, shoppers in Exeter will be able to pay for goods with their iPhone 6 or Apple Watch.
Numerous shops and banks across the city are set to adopt the new Apple Pay system this July, which will allow device owners to may payments using contactless pads.
The system – made possible by a Near Field Communication (NFC) embedded chip – will be similar to contactless credit and debit card systems already widely used.
To maximise security, iPhone users will be required to use Apple’s TouchID fingerprint scanner to make payments. Meanwhile, Apple Watch users will need to input a passcode before purchasing goods with their device.
With a payment cap of £20, no card details stored on the device and each transaction authorised by a unique dynamic security code, Apple Pay has been described as “a seamless and secure way of checking out” by Marc Bolland, CEO of Marks & Spencer.
Chains in Exeter set to make use of Apple Pay include retailers Lidl, M&S, Boots and New Look, alongside food and drink outlets McDonald’s, Wagamama, Costa, Starbucks, Subway and Nando’s.
However, users will need to have a credit or debit card at a supporting bank – with First Direct, HSBC, NatWest, Nationwide Building Society, Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander initially accepting payments via the system.
“Apple Pay has quickly become a big part of millions of users’ everyday shopping routines,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “We’re thrilled to bring Apple Pay to the UK.”
Hannah Butler
