In case you’re not up-to-speed with the latest point of sale technology, Apple and other companies have developed apps that allow you to pay for your purchases with minimal involvement. Essentially, you are now able to tap your phone to a pad and the amount of your purchase is deducted from one of the accounts you have set up inside the app. Making purchases is more convenient than ever, or so it would seem, but how well do these systems actually work?

Rundown on Apple Pay

Apple Pay is Apple’s system for making purchases at many major retailers or through in-app purchase. With Apple Pay, you’ll be able to hold your iPhone up to a credit card terminal, then use Touch ID to make a purchase. You’ll also be able to buy stuff within apps, such as the Target app, just by using Touch ID at the appropriate time during checkout. There are some caveats, however. You must have an iPhone 6 or later to use the technology, or have your older iPhone synced with your Apple watch. That’s because older models do not contain the Secure Element chip that ensures that your financial data is protected.

The Pros of Mobile Payment

apple pay displayThat being said, if you have all the latest gadgets and happen to run into a few retailers that are compatible with the technology, then the purchase process is pretty smooth. Most major retailers, including McDonald’s and Walgreens have had the technology for a little while, and while this technology is still fairly new, more and more retailers are getting on board. Also, thanks to its compatibility with Square, local businesses will soon be able to offer the touchless technology soon, as well.
As technology advances, it will now be even easier to pay for the things you want and need (was it really that difficult to begin with?), and the inevitable glitches that come along with new technology will continue to be worked out.