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Apple Pay Later: Availability, limits, and whether you should use it
You can request small loans through this handy feature
If you just bought a new iPhone for the first time, then you may not be familiar with all of Apple's digital services. Apart from the excellent Macs, iPhones, and other hardware it puts out there, the company has also been focusing on services that further enhance users' experience. Apple Pay Later is one of these offerings, allowing eligible customers to request small loans from the Cupertino firm when shopping. Though, should you really use Apple Pay Later? If so, where can you use it, and what are its limits? Let's find out!
How to use Apple Pay on your Apple Watch
It's easy to pay for purchases at contactless terminals with an iPhone, but it's even easier with an Apple Watch, thanks to Apple Pay.
One of the best yet most underrated features of the Apple Watch, including new models like the Apple Watch Series 9, is the ability to access the Apple Wallet app right from your wrist. Then, using Apple Pay (where available) and a virtual credit or debit card from a participating bank, you can pay for items by simply tapping the watch face on the reader. Even though you can pay from the best iPhones as well, being able to twist your wrist and tap means you don’t have to dig the phone out of your pocket, unlock it, and call up the Apple Wallet app.
How to set up and use Apple Pay and Apple Pay Cash
With Apple Pay and Apple Cash, you can pay from an iPhone, Apple Watch, or other compatible device and leave your wallet at home.
Apple Pay is a convenient way to pay for items at contactless terminals without having to fish in your wallet for your credit card or even bring it with you. Meanwhile, Apple Cash is a simple method to use for sending and receiving money from either the Messages or Wallet app. It’s worth getting one or the other (or both) set up on one of the best iPhones or another Apple device like an iPad or one of the best Apple Watches, including the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. It can be a lifesaver if you forget your wallet at home or the office, and it gives you the opportunity to leave your wallet at home altogether when you go to the gym, a concert, or other events. Thanks to the secure and encrypted nature of the feature, including two-factor authentication, using Apple Pay is no different than using a physical card. Some might even argue that it’s safer.
Apple Pay Later goes live, but it's currently invite only
Apple Pay Later is a new service rolling out in a limited fashion, allowing users to request up to $1,000 and pay it back later.
Apple has launched its Pay Later service in the United States, which, according to the company, is "designed with users’ financial health in mind." The new service will allow users to make purchases and split the total over four even payments that will be spread out over six weeks. During this time, there will be no interest and more importantly, there will no fees as long as it's all paid off in the six-week span. For the time being, Apple Pay Later will roll out to select users as a prerelease of sorts, with plans to make it available to everyone located in the United States in the coming months.
iOS 16.1 might allow users to uninstall the built-in Apple Wallet app
Code found in iPadOS 16.1 hints at the possibility of users being able to uninstall the built-in Apple Wallet app when iOS 16.1 launches.
Apple revealed iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura during the main keynote of WWDC22. Since then, the company has been beta testing them with developers and enthusiasts. By sacrificing software stability, testers get to try some of the new and exciting features before the public release in September. Yesterday, Apple seeded the first developer beta of iPadOS 16.1 and confirmed its delayed launch. As you might know, iPadOS heavily relies on iOS -- as they share the same foundation. By digging through the iPadOS 16.1 code, the folks at 9to5Mac were able to discover a potential change that could arrive with iOS 16.1.
iOS 16 beta introduces Apple Pay support in third-party browsers
iOS 16 beta introduces Apple Pay support in third-party web browsers. The feature remains exclusive to Safari on iOS 15 and earlier versions.
Apple revealed the upcoming major updates to its operating systems during the main keynote of WWDC22. iPadOS 16 introduces resizable app windows on M1 iPads, while macOS Ventura includes more streamlined UI elements. Though, arguably, iOS 16 packs the most exciting changes. The iPhone Lock Screen got a complete redesign with support for widgets and advanced customizations. This particular update focuses on giving users options, and these personalizations expand beyond the Lock Screen. Users on iOS 16 beta can use Apple Pay in Chrome, Edge, and seemingly any other web browser. On iOS 15 and earlier versions, this feature remains exclusive to Safari.
Apple Pay Later lets you split purchases into four equal payments
Apple Pay Later will let you split purchases into four equal payments, anywhere where Apple Pay is accepted. You can read about it here.
At this year's WWDC event, Apple unveiled "Apple Pay Later" a service supported anywhere you can use Apple Pay. It's essentially a way to split your payments into up to four equal payments with zero interest, over up to six weeks. Apple Wallet will keep track of your expenses and remind you that you need to pay on time. It's basically an installment plan without any interest, so long as you pay on time while also making it easier for you to make larger essential purchases if you need them.
Apple Pay NFC input restrictions land Apple in trouble with the EU
The EU has accused Apple of anti-competitive behavior for limiting access to NFC input for contactless payments on iPhones. Read on to learn more.
The European Commission has sent a "Statement of Objections" to Apple over its alleged anti-competitive practices regarding NFC input for payments. In the statement, the EU notes that it takes issue with Apple's decision to prevent third-party apps from accessing NFC input for contactless payments on its devices.
Apple is working on its own payment processing technology and a "Pay Later" feature
Apple is developing its own payment processing technology and a "Buy Now, Pay Later" feature for Apple Pay, according to a new report.
Apple has slowly been trying to dominate more and more fields, as its range of products and services further expands. For example, the company has been replacing Intel processors with its own M1 chips on the Mac lineup -- a step closer towards independence. A new report now states that Apple is working on its own payment processing infrastructure. That's to potentially rely less on relevant partners down the road. The report also mentions that the Cupertino tech giant could be developing a "Buy Now, Pay Later" feature for Apple Pay users. It will reportedly allow eligible users to borrow money from the company and pay them back through installments.