Apple has officially expanded its contactless payment service, Apple Pay, to the Philippines, allowing users to execute transactions via iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. The platform supports in-store purchases alongside online and in-app transactions, using Face ID or Touch ID authentication at point-of-sale terminals. At launch, cardholders from Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank can add their credit and debit cards to the service, with participating institutions also issuing instant virtual cards for immediate setup while preserving standard card reward programs.
To address security concerns, Apple Pay does not store actual card numbers on local devices or company servers. Instead, transactions are tokenized using an encrypted Device Account Number saved within a dedicated Secure Element chip. Transaction details remain private between the consumer, merchant, and issuing bank, with remote locking and suspension available through the Find My network if a device is misplaced.
The service launches with broad retail and digital support across the country, including major brands such as Jollibee, Power Mac Centre, Ayala Malls, Shopee, and foodpanda. Furthermore, payment processor Maya Business is integrating Apple Pay functionality for over 5,000 online merchants. The Philippine launch adds to Apple Pay’s global footprint, which spans more than 90 countries and over 11,000 banking partners.
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