Apple Pay is now marking its 10-year anniversary, so like any child who wants to lord their newly acquired birthday present over the others, it’s getting new fancy additions. Apple Pay has been a godsend for customers who enjoy fast payments over the years. Downloading an app? Paying utility bills via an iPhone is as easy as double tapping the screen. And now, it is becoming even more interesting with rewards and possibilities of using installment plans.
A Fresh Payment Experience with iOS 18
In what Apple is now calling iOS 18, Apple Pay has brought on new partners for a good time and for making payments easier.
So, if you want to pocket some change with rewards or go for the easier payment option with installment plans, you’ll find Apple Pay helpful.
Pay with Rewards: Turn Points into Payments
Do you have numerous points or miles accruing on your credit card? Apple Pay can now help you make use of those points while payment is being made. Just picture this: A pair of headphones is what you decide you need; rather than purchase them at full price, you use your Discover card points to get a hefty discount.
By just touching the screen of your iPhones you get to view the maximum possible points you can redeem. You get to choose the amount to drop too, right down to the point that you can spend—the perfect approach for setting aside some points for other product purchases later on. And if ever you are deep in thought as to how much is one mile worth, the Apple will provide conversion on the dollar instantly on screen.
Meet the New Payment Plans
Apple Pay is expanding customer choices in terms of mobile payments; today, partners such as Klarna, Affirm, Monzo Flex are joining. Here’s how it works:
For example, in the US, Klarna, previously called Snabba Cash, makes it possible for you to pay in Installments.
If equity is not your thing, just like with the previous companies, Affirm is here with loans in installments.
Klarna and Monzo Flex are home-grown processors that allow you to pay in installments in the UK.
Such payment plans are similar to having a friend who loves paying the bill- the bill that is now all your shopping bills from the gadgets to the groceries!
Apple Pay Later: What Happened?
Some of you may be asking yourselves where the previous version of Apple Pay Later was. Well, Apple quietly shut down, but these new payment options have arrived to take its place. All of these plans are flexible and you can choose terms of your preference whether you intend on using Affirm, Monzo or Klarna. Interest can be seen in some plans, so always pay attention to several nuances mentioned in the small print.
What’s Next for Apple Pay?
Apple Pay does not plan to pull up its socks here. Even more partners are coming on the rewards bandwagon shortly, with Synchrony, FIS, and DBS in Singapore. Furthermore, the installment plans will be offered to more countries such as Australia and Spain.
They say Apple Pay is effortless and smooth, and that’s exactly what these features are. Whether you are using points to pay or if you are making small periodic payments the process remains as seamless as possible.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pay has evolved a lot in the past 10 years and all of them added more fun, and usefulness to the tool. Can it be just about payments anymore – or is it about rewards, flexibility and making people’s lives a little bit easier?
