Apple Expands Tap to Pay on iPhone to Singapore, Powering Contactless Commerce

Apple has launched its Tap to Pay on iPhone feature in Singapore. This move turns compatible iPhones into full payment terminals. The announcement was made on December 2, 2025. It targets merchants of all sizes across the city-state.

No extra card readers or hardware are needed for this feature. Sellers can accept payments directly through their iPhones. This technology promises to streamline transactions for businesses. It expands Apple’s growing footprint in the mobile payments sector.

How the Feature Works for Merchants and Customers

Using the system is straightforward for both parties. A merchant simply opens a supported payment app on their iPhone. They then register the sale amount within that application. Finally, they present their device to the customer to complete the tap.

The customer pays using a contactless credit card, digital wallet, or Apple Pay. The transaction uses NFC technology for secure authentication. According to Reuters, all payment data is encrypted for security. Apple states it cannot see what is purchased or who buys it.

The feature also supports PIN entry for added security. Accessibility options are included within this function. It requires an iPhone XS or a newer model to operate. For customers, the experience is identical to any standard Apple Pay transaction.

Strategic Rollout and Regional Impact

Singapore marks a significant expansion in Apple’s payments strategy. Tap to Pay is now available in 50 global markets. Initial partners in Singapore include major payment platforms. Adyen, Stripe, and Revolut are among the first supported services.

Local platforms Fiuu, HitPay, and Zoho are also onboard. Ride-hailing giant Grab plans to offer the feature early next year. This broad support ensures wide availability for diverse businesses. From market stall vendors to retail shops, many can now use an iPhone to get paid.

The launch reduces barriers to entry for small businesses. They avoid the cost and hassle of traditional payment terminals. For Singapore, it aligns with national pushes toward a cashless society. It provides a modern, flexible tool for the country’s tech-savvy merchant community.

This Singapore launch solidifies Apple’s commitment to reshaping small business commerce. The global rollout of Tap to Pay on iPhone continues to remove friction from everyday sales. It represents a quiet but powerful shift in how payments are processed worldwide.

Info at your fingertips

Which iPhones can use Tap to Pay in Singapore?

The feature requires an iPhone XS or any newer model. This includes all iPhone models released from 2018 onward. The device must be updated to a supported iOS version.

What payment methods can customers use?

Shoppers can pay with contactless credit or debit cards. They can also use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. The experience is designed to be fast and familiar.

Is Tap to Pay on iPhone secure?

Yes, the system uses standard NFC encryption. Transaction data is processed securely by the payment platform. Apple states it does not collect information on the purchase or the buyer.

Which apps support it in Singapore?

Launch partners include Adyen, Stripe, Revolut, Fiuu, HitPay, and Zoho. Grab Pay will be added in early 2026. Businesses must use one of these partner apps to enable the feature.

Does it work for online or phone sales?

No, it is designed for in-person, face-to-face transactions. The seller must physically present their iPhone to the customer’s payment method. It is a replacement for a traditional point-of-sale terminal.