Digital wallets

Samsung Electronics Co.’s new Galaxy S8 will employ facial-recognition technology for mobile payments within months of release, adding cutting-edge security to help the marquee device stand out from rivals such as Apple Inc.’s iPhone, people familiar with the matter said.

Bank of the West waited until the fall of 2016—many months longer than most banks—to offer its customers any mobile wallet. And when it did finally join the mobile wallet craze, it went all in.

The battle between banks and Apple Pay in Australia has global implications, but there is a notable rift within the banks' ranks that drives home just who benefits and who suffers by Apple getting its way.

Canada-based PayByPhone has enabled Apple Pay for drivers in Vancouver, where the parking payment provider keeps its headquarters.

While Apple battles a group of large Australian banks over terms of its mobile payments app, it has entered separate deals with ING Direct and Macquarie.

Samsung Pay still rules the mobile wallet roost in its home base of South Korea, but Apple Pay and Android Pay could invade the market soon, new reports suggest.

The group of Australian banks that want to collectively bargain with Apple over terms of its Apple Pay app have sharpened their focus to an area the technology giant is likely to defend fiercely.

Consumers can use Apple Pay at 36% of U.S. merchants now, up from 16% a year ago, according to a new report from Boston Retail Partners (BRP).

Little-noticed during India’s cash-crunch late last year — triggered by the government’s demonetization of about 80% of its currency — was Samsung Pay quietly testing the waters in India with an eye to opening up vital new digital payment options in a nation that relies heavily on cash for everyday transactions.

Samsung is trying a number of plays to extend the reach of Samsung Pay, and plans to launch a Samsung Pay Mini app for online payments on all Android phones.