8 Things Apple Pay Left Out
Published September 22, 2014 3:05 PM
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Updated October 14, 2014 5:25 PM
1 Min Read
Apple's long-anticipated move into mobile payments seemed to cover all the bases -- Apple Pay will launch with the support of major banks, card networks and retailers. But there were several things that didn't make it into the first version of its mobile wallet.(Image: Bloomberg News)
Rewards
Nearly every mobile wallet has launched with some kind of reward program attached as an incentive to use the app, but Apple didn't reveal one. However, last year Apple filed for a patent on a digital rewards system, so it may be in the works.
(Image: Shutterstock)
International Coverage
Apple Pay's launch is focused on the U.S. for now, though the first rumors of an NFC wallet predicted it would debut in China . The Cupertino, Calif.-based company has not provided a clear timeline for when Apple Pay will expand to other regions, but there are signs it is planning to launch in Europe and Asia .
(Image: Bloomberg News)
Day One Support
The people lining up to be the first to own the new iPhones won't be able to use Apple Pay right away. The mobile wallet is coming in an October software update.
(Image: Bloomberg News)
Walmart
Apple has the support of major retailers, including Merchant Customer Exchange stores like Target, but it hasn't won over Walmart or Best Buy (which are also MCX merchants), according to The Wall Street Journal.
(Image: Shutterstock)
WiFi Payments
Apple Pay comes in two flavors: Near Field Communication for the point of sale, and an in-app button for mobile commerce. But the company has explored other wireless options. This year, it applied for a patent on using "various air interfaces ," including Bluetooth and WiFi, to handle part of the payment process.
(Image: Bloomberg News)
Consistent Security
On the iPhone 6, Apple users can authenticate payments with a fingerprint. But what about the Apple Watch, which has no Touch ID sensor? Apple has a different process -- it requires authentication every time the watch is put on, and locks it (disabling payments) when it's removed. It's a clever compromise but it makes the payment process inconsistent across devices.
(Image: Bloomberg News)
iTravel
In 2012, Apple received a patent for an NFC-based mobile ticketing service called iTravel . This technology would let travelers use their iPhones as wireless boarding passes, and the patent was one of the earlier clues that Apple was investigating uses of NFC in its devices.
(Image: Shutterstock)
Headphone Hijinks
Prior to the iPhone 6's reveal, there was speculation that the standard headphone jack would be eliminated in favor of plugging into Apple's proprietary Lightning port. But the iPhone 6, like every iPhone before it, will have a standard jack -- news that is a relief to companies like Square, which rely on the jack to accept payments.
(Image: Shutterstock)
