Apple Pay launches with more than 220,000 stores and apps on board

Apple has launched its contactless payment service, Apple Pay, in the US today (October 20th).

Apple Pay enables iPhone 6 users, and eventually Apple Watch users, to pay for goods via their device.

So far there are over 220,000 stores and apps accepting the payment option including MacDonald’s, Nike, Foot Locker, Toys R Us, and Subway.

More stores, such as Staples, Urban Outfitters and the Disney Store, are all on board to accept Apple Pay later this year.

Apple Pay supports credit and debit cards from the three major payment networks, American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

Once a user has set up their Apple Pay account, all they have to do is hold their iPhone near the contactless reader while keeping a finger on Touch ID.

For shopping in stores, Apple Pay will work with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and with Apple Watch, upon availability.

For online shopping within apps, Apple Pay is available on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, and iPad Mini 3.

Apple has not yet announced when its contactless payment service will be available in other territories.

Apple announced its new iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 tablets last week. Both devices are now available for customers to pre-order from Currys/PC Word, where the retailer has ensured the devices will be available from Thursday, October 23rd.