Apple Pay is a go-to feature for iPhone users when shopping in stores, online, and in apps. Apple recently announced four new features that make Apple Pay even better. Here’s how they work, plus one major expansion that’s rolling out now.
New design in iOS 27
One of my favorite changes in iOS 27 is the redesigned Apple Pay checkout interface. The new interface makes it much easier to switch between different cards during the checkout flow on websites and in apps.
In the new design, you can easily swipe between cards on the main Apple Pay checkout screen. You can also tap on a card to view a grid of all your available Apple Pay cards.
The design also makes it easier to see information about individual cards, including rewards, balances, pay later options, and more.
iOS 27 is available in beta to developers and public beta users. It will be released to everyone this fall.
American Express rewards
Apple and American Express recently announced a new partnership that lets you pay with American Express rewards points.
When shopping online or in apps with an American Express card, you’ll see a new “Use Rewards” option alongside your available Membership Rewards points balance. You can apply points to cover all or part of your purchase, right in the Apple Pay checkout flow.
American Express points redeemed via Apple Pay are valued at 0.7 cents each. For example, this means 10,000 points can be redeemed for $70 applied towards your purchase.
Tap to Share
In iOS 27, Apple is adding a new “Tap to Share” feature that integrates with Apple Pay on iPhone for in-store shopping.
This feature, which Apple says will launch this fall, is an extension of Tap to Pay on iPhone. Apple explains:
With just a tap, customers can connect to a participating merchant’s iPhone for a more personalized and faster in-store purchase experience that allows for secure sharing of information, such as email and other contact information, shipping address, loyalty rewards information, and more.
Customers will also be able to view the items in their basket in real time so they can keep track of what they’ve purchased and ensure all sales and discounts are properly applied.
When done, shoppers can complete the checkout on their iPhone using Apple Pay.
Reload debit cards
Later this year, iPhone users will be able to manage their debit card balances directly in the Apple Pay interface.
According to Apple, you’ll be able to use Apple Pay to add money to a supported debit card directly in Apple Wallet or when checking out.
Bonus: Apple Pay at Walmart
This one isn’t really a new feature developed by Apple. Instead, it’s something that should’ve happened years ago finally coming to fruition. Walmart has announced that it is finally starting to roll out support for Apple Pay. Apple Pay is also rolling out to Sam’s Club as part of this initiative.
Walmart started rolling out Apple Pay (and broader contactless support) this week in Arkansas. The retailer says it launch for all stores in the United States by the end of this year.
Wrap up
As Apple Pay continues to increase in popularity and prevalence among retailers, it’s great to see Apple continue to improve the experience. Personally, Apple Pay is my checkout payment method of choice basically everywhere I shop — whether that’s online or in store.
How often do you use Apple Pay? What are your favorite Apple Pay features? Let us know down in the comments.
My favorite Apple deals right now:
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