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Tag: UnionPay

  • Apple Pay launches in China with UnionPay support

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    The rumors were true.

    Apple Pay launched in China on February 18th.

    Apple Pay has gone live in China, making it the fifth country where Apple Pay is officially available. Implemented through a partnership with UnionPay, China’s state-run interbank network, Apple Pay in China can be used by iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch owners with an eligible China UnionPay debit or credit card.

    With the launch, Apple has inked deals with 19 of the biggest lenders in China, which will see 80 percent of credit and debit cards in China eligible for use with Apple Pay.

    In retail locations in China, Apple Pay is available on the iPhone 6 and later and the Apple Watch at any location that has a UnionPay-compatible point-of-sale system. Within apps, Apple Pay purchases can be made using an iPhone or iPad that supports NFC, which includes the iPhone 6 and later and the iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, and iPad Pro.

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  • Apple comes up against roadblocks, regulatory concerns in bringing Apple Pay to Chinese marketplace

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    Apple may have a few roadblocks before it can get Apple Pay into the Chinese marketplace.

    As introduction efforts proceed, China’s central bank, UnionPay bank-card service and e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. are standing up to Apple’s effort to bring the Apple Pay no-card-no-cash payment system to iPhone users in China.

    At the same time, Apple has not yet “acknowledged regulators,” and as a result, “it’s unclear whether the product meets the government’s requirements” for a commercial operation.

    Apple is also struggling with its relationship with UnionPay, China’s state-owned credit- and debit-card system operator. Sources close to the companies said that talks aimed at an agreement that would open China to Apple Pay have stalled.

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  • Apple seals UnionPay deal, takes step to incorporating Apple Pay into Chinese marketplace

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    Apple may be a little bit closer to bringing Apple Pay to Chinese shores.

    Per The Mac Observer, Apple announced a deal over the weekend where customers can use the system to link a China UnionPay credit or debit card to their Apple ID for one-tap App Store purchases, which could eventually lead to using their iPhones in retail stores, too.

    Prior to the UnionPay deal, China’s iTunes Store customers were forced to set up pre-paid accounts linked directly to bank accounts — a process that was inconvenient and didn’t quick purchases easy.

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  • Apple making progress in forming alliance between Apple Pay and Alibab’s Alipay in Chinese marketplace

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    While Apple may be spinning its wheels arguing with MCX and getting Apple Pay supported by assorted U.S. retailers stuck in their MCX/CurrentC contracts, it seems to be doing ok opening Apple Pay up in the Asian marketplace.

    According to AppleInsider and the Wall Street Journal, after officials from both Apple and Alibaba publicly expressed interest in forging a possible mobile payment deal, Alibaba confirmed on Tuesday that it is currently in negotiations to bring Apple Pay to China.

    A potential deal between Apple Pay and Alibaba’s Alipay would focus exclusively on the Chinese market, where Alibaba is the dominant online retailer, vice chairman Joseph Tsai told The Wall Street Journal. He said that while the company is “positive” about the ongoing talks, details must still be worked out before an agreement can be reached.

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