Apple launches new service for iOS users in Japan
Apple may be testing its mobile payments platform in Japan. The famed technology company has launched a new service for Japanese iPhone and iPod users. The services is called iTunes Pass and is associated with the iTunes Store, the App Store, and the iBookstore. The service will allow people to use their financial data to pay for products on Apple’s various store platforms. This could be the beginning of a much larger mobile payments initiative from Apple.
Company retains its strong interest in mobile payments and shopping
Apple has had a strong interest in mobile payments for some time. The company has, however, been quite cautious when it comes to entering into the mobile money space. This is due to the large number of similar companies that have fallen prey to the digital threats that exist in the mobile world. Google, for instance, encountered serious security issues with the initial launch of its Wallet platform, which stymied its attraction to those interested in mobile shopping and payments. Apple is keen to avoid such issues.
iTunes Pass is designed as a high tech substitute for physical gift cards
Currently, the iTunes Pass service is designed to serve as a replacement for physical gift cards. Digital versions of these gift cards can be stored in the Passbook application, which is Apple’s version of a mobile wallet. Gift cards stored in Passbook can be accessed by iTunes Pass, allowing those that own these gift card the ability to use them to purchase goods from Apple’s digital stores.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 6 will have mobile payments capabilities, but such features are not yet set in stone
Apple has taken a slow approach to the mobile payments space. For the past two years, rumors concerning the company’s entry into the field of digital commerce have largely been centered around new versions of the company’s iPhone device or its iOS operating system. Current rumors suggest that the iPhone 6 will mark Apple’s official entry into the mobile payments arena, but whether or not this will be will the case has yet to be seen.
Google continues work to establish mobile commerce presence
Despite a turbulent launch, Google Wallet continues to show signs of life as Google works to establish a commanding presence in the mobile commerce sector. The Google Wallet’s launch was plagued with serious security issues that threatened the financial information of consumers that used it. This caused many people to avoid the mobile commerce platform for several months after its launch, despite the fact that Google had resolved its security issues within a matter of days. Over the past few months, Google Wallet has been able to attract more users, and Google has been introducing new features to the mobile commerce platform.
Google Wallet receives new features, but may not be able to compete with Apple
Google Wallet now has the ability to facilitate money transfers. The platform is also able to store digital material offered through various loyalty programs that are common within the retail industry. The platform allows users to redeem their rewards through such programs in an convenient fashion. The Google Wallet does, of course, facilitate mobile payments as well. Notably, however, the Wallet does not have a companion application for the iOS platform, which may be an issue considering Apple’s interest in mobile commerce.
iOS 7 puts emphasis on Passbook
Last week, Apple unveiled the iOS 7, which puts some emphasis on the company’s Passbook. The Passbook platform is very similar to the Google Wallet in that it can store digital information from loyalty programs, travel tickets, and other such data. Unlike the Google Wallet, however, the Passbook cannot currently support mobile payments, though it is designed to do so. While Apple has not shown direct support for mobile commerce due to security concerns and other issues, the iPhone is a popular mobile commerce platform. A recent study from AdTruth shows that 57% of mobile commerce purchases were made from iPhones during the first half of 2013.
Lack of NFC support may actually put Apple in the lead
Apple may be establishing a strong edge in the mobile commerce space through a lackadaisical support of third party mobile payment services. The vast majority of these services are not based on NFC technology because the iPhone itself does not support NFC. Google Wallet, however, does make use of this technology. This means that the Wallet can only be used by NFC-enabled mobile devices, which are still very rare when compared to the iPhone.
