What is the name of Apple's contactless payment system?

Apple’s contactless payment system is Apple Pay. It lets users make payments with supported Apple devices at compatible terminals and online.

Apple launched Apple Pay in the United States on October 20, 2014, alongside iOS 8.1. At physical checkout, an iPhone or Apple Watch communicates with a payment terminal using near-field communication, or NFC. The user authenticates with Touch ID, Face ID, or another supported biometric method.

Apple Pay is designed so merchants generally do not receive the device’s original card number. Payment credentials are protected through a secure element and transaction-specific cryptographic data. Cards must still be issued by participating banks or payment networks, so availability varies by country and financial institution.

Apple Pay is often confused with Apple Cash. Apple Pay is the broader payment and wallet service for cards, tickets, and purchases; Apple Cash is a separate balance and person-to-person payment feature within that ecosystem. PayPal, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are competing services, not alternate names for Apple Pay.