14 DAY TRIAL // There's no worse time for Apple to introduce a payment solution than after the iCloud fiasco. However, the Cupertino, California-based tech giant appears to be confident enough to talk about replacing your wallet with their payment solution. We have the overview of what they are offering so you can choose the best solution.
Apple showcased Touch ID as the perfect password. And after the whole iCloud issue with the stolen Celebrity photos, there's no better way to protect your private info than your fingerprint. Sure enough, the iCloud is still protected by a password for now, but for other features you can use your fingerprint.
Touch it
We've known Touch ID from iOS 7 and iPhone 5s and most of it is unchanged in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Apple has setup a page where it explains how the Touch ID sensor does not have a right or wrong orientation. As long as you can place your finger on top of it, you can unlock your device. You can also enroll multiple fingers.
The Touch ID Home button is covered with a sapphire glass and surrounded by a stainless steel ring that detects your finger and wakes the capacitive touch sensor.
You can use the Touch ID to buy anything from the AppStore, iTunes and iBookstore. The new thing comes in October and it is called Pay or Apple Pay, also known as...
... your wallet, without the wallet
With this new payment system there's no need to take your credit card out of your wallet, swipe it or give your photo ID to the merchant. Just get your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus close to the counter and tap the Touch ID. There's no need to unlock your iPhone. You will see your credit card on the screen and a short animation that is asking you to Pay with Touch ID. As soon as you tap the home button, the fingerprint turns into a checkmark and you are on your way to the next store.
The Apple Pay system works with the Near Field Communication antenna in iPhone 6. Most stores have a contactless reader and you just need to get your phone closer. A subtle vibration and beep will let you know that you just paid for the items in your bag.
Apple Pay will also be included in Apps. For example, you can shop online, pay for a coffee or request a Uber car with the same Touch ID.
How to setup Apple Pay?
iOS comes with the Passbook app so all you have to do is add your credit cards or debit to that. Take a photo with your camera or type the information manually and then choose which one of your cards stays on top. That one will be the default payment method.
The best thing about Apple Pay is that the merchant will not see your credit card or your identity. Everything is encrypted in the Secure Element – a chip hidden inside the iPhone. You payment info will not even get to the Apple Servers. Everything stays on your iPhone.
If you lose your iDevice, you can open Find my iPhone and set it as Lost so your payment info is not accessible. Besides that, the thief does not have your fingerprints.
Apple is already working with Visa, MasterCard, American Express and ten major Banks from the USA. They've set it up to work in 220,000 locations around the United States.
