Yes, you can use Apple Pay for in-app purchases on iPhone and iPad apps. Apple Pay is Apple’s mobile payment service that allows you to make purchases in apps using your device’s biometric authentication (Touch ID or Face ID) instead of having to enter your actual credit or debit card information each time.
How Does Apple Pay Work for In-App Purchases?
When you want to make an in-app purchase in an app that supports Apple Pay, you will see the Apple Pay payment option. Instead of entering your card details, you can simply authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID to complete the purchase.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- The app will prompt you to use Apple Pay to complete the purchase. Tap the Apple Pay option.
- A popup will appear asking you to confirm the purchase amount. Double check it is correct.
- You’ll then authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID.
- That’s it! The payment will be processed using your default card on file.
It’s a very streamlined process that’s quicker and more secure than entering card details each time.
What Apps Support Apple Pay for In-App Purchases?
Thousands of apps have integrated Apple Pay support for in-app purchases, across many categories:
- Gaming apps like Fortnite, Pokemon Go, Clash of Clans
- Entertainment apps like Netflix, Hulu, ESPN
- Shopping apps like Etsy, Wish, Stubhub
- Dating apps like Bumble, Tinder, Hinge
- Food apps like Doordash, Grubhub, Uber Eats
The list goes on. If an app offers in-app purchases, chances are they support Apple Pay. Just look for the Apple Pay payment option when you go to make the purchase.
Is Apple Pay Secure for In-App Purchases?
Yes, Apple Pay provides a very secure method for making in-app purchases. Here’s why:
- Your actual credit or debit card number is never shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is used to process the payment.
- Your payment is authorized via Touch ID or Face ID, which helps prevent unauthorized transactions.
- All transactions are encrypted end-to-end.
- Your card details are never actually stored on your device or Apple’s servers.
In many ways, using Apple Pay is more secure than entering your card details directly since your real card number is never exposed. The unique Device Account Number prevents your actual card details from falling into the wrong hands.
How Do I Set Up Apple Pay to Use for In-App Purchases?
It’s easy to set up Apple Pay to use for in-app purchases:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the + icon to add a credit or debit card.
- Use your device camera to scan your card or enter the details manually.
- Follow the prompts to verify your card with your bank.
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions.
- Your card will now show in your Wallet and can be used via Apple Pay.
You can add multiple cards and choose which one to use by default for payments. Once your card is loaded, you’re all set to use Apple Pay for in-app purchases.
Can I Use Apple Pay on the Web?
In addition to in-app purchases, you can use Apple Pay for purchases on the web in Safari. Here’s what to do:
- When checking out on a website, look for the Apple Pay purchase button.
- Click the Apple Pay button.
- A sheet will slide up where you can pick a card and authorize with Touch ID or Face ID.
- Your payment processes securely via Apple Pay.
Many popular online stores like Target, Best Buy, Staples, and more accept Apple Pay on the web. Look for the Apple Pay logo at checkout.
Can I Use Apple Pay in iOS Games?
Many popular iOS games integrate Apple Pay to enable in-app purchases seamlessly within gameplay. Some examples include:
- Fortnite: You can use Apple Pay to buy V-Bucks currency to purchase skins, season passes, and more.
- Pokemon Go: Apple Pay can be used to buy PokeCoins for upgrades and power-ups.
- Candy Crush Saga: Purchase gold bars and lives with Apple Pay.
- Clash of Clans: Speed up upgrades instantly using Apple Pay.
Game developers recognize that Apple Pay provides a frictionless way for users to make impulse purchases without leaving the app. Look for the Apple Pay option whenever you need to purchase virtual goods to enhance your gameplay.
What About Apple Pay in iOS Apps Like Uber?
Apple Pay works great in everyday iOS apps like Uber too. Instead of entering your credit card and billing details in each app, you can use Apple Pay to checkout faster.
Some examples where Apple Pay comes in handy:
- Uber: Request rides and make payments without adding a card.
- DoorDash: Pay for food deliveries easily via Apple Pay.
- StubHub: Buy event tickets instantly with Apple Pay.
- Nike: Purchase shoes and apparel without entering your info.
App developers big and small offer Apple Pay support to streamline purchases and reduce checkout friction.
Tips for Using Apple Pay In Apps
Here are some useful tips for getting the most out of Apple Pay in apps:
- Add your most used credit/debit card as the default payment option for one-click Apple Pay transactions.
- Double check purchase amounts before authorizing with Touch ID or Face ID.
- You can view and manage your Apple Pay transactions in the Wallet app.
- If your card details change, remember to update them in the Wallet app.
- Set up Apple Pay on all your iOS devices including iPhones, iPads and Apple Watch for seamless use.
Apple Pay Requirements
To use Apple Pay for in-app purchases, you’ll need:
- An iPhone or iPad running iOS 8.3 or later.
- Touch ID or Face ID enabled on your device.
- A credit, debit, or prepaid card added to Apple Pay (Wallet app).
- Sufficient funds or credit on your card.
As long as your iOS device and apps support it, you can use Apple Pay today. Make sure your card issuer also supports Apple Pay transactions.
Is Apple Pay Better Than Just Entering My Card Details?
Apple Pay has some clear benefits compared to manually entering your card number for each purchase:
- Convenient: Apple Pay only requires a fingerprint or face scan to make purchases quickly.
- Secure: Your actual card number is never shared or stored on apps/devices.
- Private: Your billing/shipping details are not shared with merchants.
- Seamless: Apple Pay works across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac for smooth transactions.
With Apple Pay there are no lengthy forms to fill out. Just a couple taps and your transaction is complete. It’s the most secure and convenient way to pay both in apps and on the web.
Conclusion
Apple Pay provides an easy, secure, and private way to make in-app purchases on your iPhone and iPad. Simply look for the Apple Pay payment option within your favorite apps, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and your transaction is complete. With Apple Pay, you don’t have to enter card details every time which saves you effort while keeping your information secure. Just make sure your device is running iOS 8.3 or higher.