Report suggests that Apple Pay could launch in Canada by March
Apple Pay may be coming to Canada sooner than expected, according to reports from 9to5Mac. The mobile payments service from Apple was launched last year, but is currently only available in the United States and a small number of other regions where U.S. card issuers operate. The report suggests that Apple Pay could come to the Canadian market as soon as March of this year, which will give Canadian consumers with iOS devices a chance to make payments from their smartphones.
Demand for mobile payment services is rising in Canada
Apple has been working to expand its new mobile payments service to other markets around the world, but has not yet announced definitive plans on which markets will receive the service first. Canada may be the most likely country to gain access to Apple Pay, as the mobile payments market therein is currently experiencing a period of strong growth. The demand for mobile payment support throughout Canada has been rising, and Canadians are beginning to use their mobile devices to shop for and purchase products more regularly.
Canadian companies may be in negotiations with Apple to partner for launch of new payment service
Canadian retailers and banks are reportedly in negotiations with Apple to bring the mobile payments service to the country in the near future. The report from 9to5Mac suggests that these companies are already preparing advertising campaigns and promotional material for the launch of Apple Pay in March. The report notes that these negotiations are still in an active state, so a launch has not been finalized. If negotiations fail, Apple Pay may not come to the country until later in the year.
Apple continues to expand mobile payments service throughout the US
Apple has been expanding its service in the United States somewhat aggressively. The company recently brought on new partners for its mobile payments service, allowing more people to use the service at physical stores. Thus far, the service has managed to find modest success, but not enough to make it a mainstream tool among consumers participating in mobile payments.
Mobile commerce proved quite popular during the holiday season because of its convenient nature. Many consumers opted to shop on their mobile device in order to avoid the chaotic crowds that surge to physical stores during the holidays. By shopping on a mobile device, many consumers were able to purchase products from the comfort of their homes, or while traveling, and these products could be delivered to a destination of their choosing.