Apple has expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to South Africa, enabling merchants to accept contactless payments using only their iPhone and a compatible iOS app. The feature processes credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and digital wallets through NFC technology without requiring additional hardware or payment terminals.

Two local payment platforms, iStore Pay and Yoco, are the first to support the service in South Africa. The launch includes Mastercard and Visa compatibility, with American Express support arriving soon. Merchants need an iPhone XS or later running the latest iOS version to use the feature.

This rollout continues Apple's steady global expansion of Tap to Pay, which debuted in the United States in February 2022. The company confirmed the feature now operates in 50 markets worldwide following major 2025 expansions across Europe and Asia. Recent launches include Malaysia in April and Singapore and Hong Kong in December.

Apple emphasizes built-in privacy through encrypted transactions processed via the Secure Element. Card numbers and transaction data never touch the device or Apple's servers, maintaining the company's privacy-first approach to mobile payments.