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.
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.
Top Rated Comments
- 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.
I trust Apple Pay though. It will be so convenient.