Apple Rumored to Announce Apple Pay for Websites at WWDC

Friday June 10, 2016 1:59 PM PDT by Juli Clover
Earlier this year, rumors suggested Apple would expand Apple Pay to allow iOS users to make purchases from websites, and now Digital Trends says Apple will indeed introduce such a feature at WWDC.

Starting on Monday, Apple Pay will reportedly be able to be used to make purchases from select partner websites, serving as an alternative to PayPal. As with all Apple Pay transactions, purchases from websites will be confirmed using the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the iPhone.

applepayinapp
It is not known if the feature will be limited to Safari and only available on iOS devices. We have heard rumors suggesting Apple plans to allow the iPhone to be used to unlock a password-protected Mac using Bluetooth, and if such a feature is implemented, it could also presumably be used to approve web-based purchases on a Mac.
Based on our source's information, it's unclear whether you will be able to use Apple Pay on the web from a device that does not have a fingerprint sensor, such as a MacBook or a PC. It's also unknown whether a specific browser will be required to make purchases with Apple Pay online.
At the current time, Apple Pay can be used to make purchases in brick and mortar stores and in third-party apps that support the service. An expansion of Apple Pay to the Safari browser will alleviate the need for customers to download a store's app to make a payment with Apple Pay, resulting in a payment service that is simpler to use and more accessible.

Apple Pay could potentially be a major focus at WWDC, with other rumors hinting at Apple Pay support in new countries and person-to-person Apple Pay payments.

Related Roundup: Apple Pay
42 comments

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JangoFett124
45 months ago

So this will help shave a few seconds compared to using iCloud to auto-fill the credit card info. Meh.


The fewer sites/services that store my actual credit card info, the better.
Rating: 15 Votes
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muadibe
45 months ago

So this will help shave a few seconds compared to using iCloud to auto-fill the credit card info. Meh.


Actually, it means you don't give your card number to sites which could get hacked, as has happened many times.
Rating: 12 Votes
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Michael Goff
45 months ago

So this will help shave a few seconds compared to using iCloud to auto-fill the credit card info. Meh.


It also means fewer sites will have your CC info. So if they get hacked, it doesn't matter.
Rating: 9 Votes
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EricTheHalfBee
45 months ago


I'd say they're nice to have, but not crucial for most people.

Heck, I've been buying stuff online for decades, using real card info, and there's only been one time that I suspect my number might've gotten stolen that way. Even then, I lost nothing and the card was replaced overnight, so it was not a big deal.


Ridiculous.

- First off, credit card number theft online is a very real and serious problem that affects millions of people and costs billions of dollars a year in fraud. Who cares if you've been lucky enough to never have it happen to you?
- Second, it IS a big deal if your card gets stolen. I have numerous payments set to automatically charge my credit card. If I have to change my card, then I have to go back to all those places and re-enter my card information. I also have to go back to Apple, Amazon and other online retailers and change my payment information there as well. It's a hassle.
- Third, to say it doesn't matter if your card gets stolen and used since you won't have to pay is asinine. Why are you OK with criminals getting free money from your card just because you know you won't have to pay? That's some twisted logic. Plus you ARE paying for it. Fraud charges get passed on to consumers in higher interest rates and to merchants in fees. So you're paying for it somewhere.

Personally, I like the idea of using Apple Pay and giving a big middle finger to all those a$$hole crooks who commit credit card fraud.
Rating: 8 Votes
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Joe Rossignol
45 months ago

The fewer sites/services that store my actual credit card info, the better.

I agree. I never save my credit card information for auto-fill on my iPhone, even if for trivial reasons.

I trust Apple Pay though. It will be so convenient.
Rating: 8 Votes
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SBlue1
45 months ago
Wow. Great news if I can get rid of Paypal.
Rating: 5 Votes
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mw360
45 months ago

Awesome, this is gonna be great for my web store!! can't wait! $$$


I'm really hoping this helps other retailers take on Amazon. Buying at some random website has a serious amount of friction compared to a 1-click purchase at Amazon. And nobody else can copy that 1-click process because Amazon have a ridiculous patent. A Touch ID authentication has the potential to eliminate the account/login stage, possibly making it even easier than 1-click.
Rating: 3 Votes
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LV426
45 months ago
Great news. Now all I need is some money!
Rating: 3 Votes
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NervousFish2
45 months ago
Now companies like Target won't be able to F-up anymore. And the only people who will be able to access our CC info will be those employed by the FBI ;)
Rating: 2 Votes
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Michael Goff
45 months ago

PCI-compliant sites should not have any credit card info anyway. That's one of the requirements to become certified as a merchant with credit card processors.

I imagine the process will work with any browser, and be like this:
[LIST=1]
* Customer clicks "Pay with Apple Pay" after entering identifying information.
* A package describing the transaction is sent to the Apple Pay endpoint.
* Apple's server sends a notification to all iOS devices associated with the user, presenting the Apple Pay interface on-screen.
* The user authorizes.
* The device sends an authorization package back to Apple's server.
* The credit card is charged.
* Apple's server then sends an "Authorized" message back to the website if the transaction was approved.

This is very similar to how existing credit card transactions happen, with the only exception of Steps #3-5 being an intermediate authorization step controlled by the user. The website itself still needs to have enough information about the user to identify them to Apple.


"Would you like me to save your credit card info to help with your next purchase?" happens.
Rating: 2 Votes
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