Last month’s report was somewhat unclear as to when Apple was planning to launch Apple Pay in Japan with FeliCa, today’s report details that the mobile payment will not launch in the country until next year. That being said, Apple Pay has yet to make its debut in Japan, but that could soon happen with a partnership with Sony. FeliCa is able to process transactions in a fraction of a second, making it suitable for use in a fast-paced transit environment. With the chip integration, iPhone users can also store their transit passes on their phone and tap their phones to scanners on the bus and train, bypassing using a physical transit card.
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Though the new iPhone being unveiled Wednesday will roll out worldwide this fall, Apple Pay likely will not launch in Japan until next year.
Additionally on Wednesday, Schiller said that over 90% of contactless payments handled by US merchants are with Apple Pay, as opposed to rival service from Google and Samsung, Android Pay and Samsung Pay. Other proposed uses for the technology include integrating membership cards and replacing security key cards. Apple’s foray into Japanese smartphone payment services will promote broader adoption of compatible terminals at retailers and event venues. Foreign travelers may be able to use foreign iPhones to make payments as well.
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Apple Pay’s rollout around the world is a bit slow, but considering that the various banks and credit card companies that they have to deal with, we guess it is understandable, even though it might be frustrating for some users.
