Apple Pay Singapore launched

Apple Pay Singapore is now live – the second Asian market in which the tech giant’s new payments system is now accepted.

The cardless, cashless payment system debuted in China last month and more Asian markets are expected to follow after negotiations are concluded with partnering banks and card systems.

Apple Pay allows shoppers to buy goods using their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch – but in Singapore only American Express card holders can use the facility, for now.

“Credit and debit cards from Singapore’s most popular banks, including DBS, UOB and Standard Chartered will work with Apple Pay in the coming months,” Apple Singapore said in a statement.

But Forrester researcher Zhi Ying Ng believes consumer adoption of Apple Pay will be slower than expected in Singapore.

“The use of contactless card payments is increasing in Singapore, and consumers are comfortable with using it. While there are still significant barriers to consumer adoption of digital wallets today, it will take time before these wallets become more convenient for customers and as customers realise the benefits and additional value that digital wallets bring,” he said in a statement.

Apple Pay is also now accepted in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK.