Talking About Integration of Apple Pay into an iOS App, With the passage of time, mobile applications have become more advanced and smart with several innovative features. One of the pivotal features introduced in mobile apps is a payment gateway, which has streamlined the entire transaction process. The customers can make a fast, easy, and secure payment while making an online purchase.
If we talk about popular payment gateways, the list includes PayPal, Braintree, GPay, Stripe, Amazon Pay, and others. Apple Inc. has also introduced Apple Pay, which is similar to PayPal, allowing users to pay for products from within the app. However, the money gets debited from the concerned linked account.
Statista reports that there are 383 million people worldwide using Apple Pay, with around 55 million users in the US alone. In addition, it is being estimated that the mobile transaction value in the US will amount to $49.3 billion by 2021. Another report published in The Wall Street Journal says that according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, people using the service have tripled in recent years. This is one of the major reasons why most companies are looking for hands-on-experienced iPhone App Development Company to integrate Apple Pay within an iOS app.
Apple Pay can be integrated easily into an iOS application, watchOS, and Safari web browser. We are also aware that Apple follows a strict policy on app security, privacy, and reliability so that no confidential data is leaked out.
Apple is continuously looking to upgrade its system so that you can make payments with one touch. For instance, you can receive or send money through messages or via Siri. Apple Pay can also manage your card details enabling you to send money right to your bank account.
Two Methods of Using Apple Pay
You can use Apple Pay in a couple of ways. The first method is selling your items using a Near Field Communication or NFC. In this procedure, the customers will pay for the purchased products using Apple Pay right at the store. You just need to install the NFC terminals.
The second method is integrating Apple Pay within your iOS application.
If you are an iPhone or an iPad user, you will certainly enjoy and appreciate making purchases with Apple Pay. Whether you are a restaurant owner, a retailer, or any other business entrepreneur, you can certainly provide a great customer experience through Apple Pay.
A Few Advantages of Using Apple Pay
- Apple Pay allows customers to make payments without entering other details such as billing, shipping, or contact information.
- At no cost, Apple will share sensitive information such as card details of its customers providing enhanced security.
- Slowly and gradually Apple Pay is getting adopted in highly developed countries like the US, Australia, Japan, and others.
- Apple Pay is also known for its simplicity. The payment can be made with just a few taps.
- The integration process is also easy.
Devices That Support Apple Pay
It is important for you to know whether your iPhone or iPad will support Apple Pay. According to the Company, all iPhone devices having Touch Ids will support Apple Pay. It begins with the iPhone 6 series and continues to be one of the latest released devices. However, remember that the iPhone 5s is an exception due to security reasons.
Does Apple Pay Store the Card Details
No, Apple Pay does not store the card details. Instead, each iPhone user receives a unique Device Account Number specified for that particular device. This number is saved by Secure Element Chip on the iPhone, Watch or iPad in an encrypted form. While the customer makes the transaction, Apple Pay will not transfer the data to the seller. It uses a dynamic safety code allowing your card details to remain safe.
If unfortunately, you lose your phone or it gets stolen, you can use the Find My iPhone program, which will switch off your Apple Pay. Also, one of the other benefits of using Apple Pay is that you don’t need internet data for making payments. Apple Pay stores transaction tokens on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
Apple Pay Integration
Now that you are aware of all the vital details regarding Apple Pay and its security system, let’s discuss the process of integrating this payment gateway into an iOS app.
Creating an Apple Id
First and foremost, it is crucial to configure the application with Apple Pay so that you can accept the Apple Pay payments. Visit Apple’s official website and log in to your developer account. Next, go to the Member Center and click on the Certificates or Identifiers.
After this, you need to click the +button to create a new Apple ID and name it. You also need to choose the Explicit App ID as a wildcard App ID will not support payments with Apple Pay.
Talking About Integration of Apple Pay into an iOS App, In the last process, you have to verify the Apple Pay checkbox. Go on to click continue and complete by creating a new app ID.
Developing a Merchant ID
The next job in hand is creating a merchant ID. You will find the Merchant ID under Identifiers in the left navigation pane. Here you also need to click on the + button for the new merchant ID and make use of the merchant identifier and description. Click on continue and register the merchant ID.
Establishing the Xcode Project
Once the Apple Id and Merchant Id are successfully created, it’s time to set up your Xcode project. Please note that you have to use the same bundle Id that you used to register the developer account.
The task begins with choosing the project and then selecting the project target. Next, it’s important to change the bundle identifier and match it with the one that you have created. The team selection box should always be pointing towards the development team that has created the App and Merchant Ids.
In the next step, you have to click on the Capabilities tab. Please make use that the Apple Pay switch on the right side is set on before expanding to the Apple Pay section. Once you are done, you need to push the refresh button to view the list populated with merchant ID.
Build a Sandbox Testing Account for the Test App
If you are planning to create a Sandbox tester account, you first have to visit iTunes Connect and then users and roles. Next is to select Sandbox Testers and choose the + button to set up the tester account.
Device Configuration to Get Apple Pay Support
If you want Apple Pay to support your device without any hindrance, you have to fulfill the basic requirements such as using a Touch ID device and building the payment gateway for regions where Apple Pay is supported. Once you have checked out these important needs, you can proceed with adding the sandbox testing payment cards.
Talking About Integration of Apple Pay into an iOS App, You will come across all major card payment networks such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and so on. Add these cards to your device to complete the process.
Some Final Words
The integration of Apple Pay into an iOS app is not as simple as it appears to be. You need a dedicated and expert team to handle the integration so that no steps are omitted or there is no error in coding. Always look to hire iOS App Developers with adept experience who can complete the task within stipulated deadlines.
