Apple has established the partnership with UnionPay to launch Apple Pay in China, which transforms the way in which you make online payments through mobile. If you have a debit or credit card issued by China UnionPay, you will be able to use the services in early 2016. Apple Pay makes use of near-field communications technology and is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch.
When it comes to mobile payment, security is important. However, China UnionPay has implemented QuickPass, which enable customers to protect payment information through industry leading payment tokenization technology. Moreover, credit and debit card numbers and CSV codes are not stored on the device or Apple servers.
A unique device account number is assigned, which is encrypted and securely stored in a dedicated chip called the Secure Element on your device. You will be able to authorize each transaction using a one-time unique dynamic security code.
In order to make payments using Apple Pay, all you need to is hold iPhone near China UnionPay’s QuickPass enabled POS terminals with your finger on Touch ID with the help of innovative NFC antenna design.
In order to work with Apple Pay using, you need to double click the side button and hold the watch face up to the contactless reader to make a purchase right from your wrist.
Apple Pay will be available to China UnionPay cardholders by the end of January 2016 since Apple need to perform relevant tests and certification required by Chinese regulators. The service is already compatible with the applicable national mobile payment and financial industry standards in China.
In addition to UnionPay, Apple has tied up with 15 banks in China to integrate mobile payment functionality. Apple Pay was launched in the US in 2014 and has been rolled out in the UK as well.
As of the time of this writing, Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4, Apple iPad Pro and Apple Watch.
The Chinese market is dominated by Alipay, an electronic payment service affiliated with the e-commerce giant, Alibaba Group Holding Limited. Alipay has been integrated into the popular WeChat instant-messaging mobile app.
