Apple Pay could launch in UK next year

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The mobile payment service will launch across Europe, Middle East, India and Africa

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Apple is due to expand its mobile payment service to the UK and further abroad next year, according to a job advert posted by the company.

The posting on Apple's recruitment website, which has now been removed, said the tech giant is looking to expand Apple Pay outside of the US.

The advert read: "Apple Pay is a new and exciting area in Apple that is set to expand across Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.

"Apple Pay will change the way consumers pay with breakthrough contactless payment technology and unique security features built right into their iPhone 6 or Apple Watch to pay in an easy, secure, and private way."

Previously, Apple said its mobile payment option would be arriving in locations around the world, but at launch is was only limited to the US.

The job posting was for a London-based intern to "drive out the roll-out" of the service in regions across the world.

"The new London-based Apple Pay team will work to drive the rollout of this technology by working with a variety of internal and external partners, as well as issuers, payment networks and merchants across Europe," the ad continued.

Apple Pay was announced in September and allows Apple iPhone users to pay for good using their iPhone 6's NFC chip. The technology works by linking a credit card to the device and then customers can just swipe their device and authenticate using their fingerprint on the Touch ID sensor.

Though no firm date was suggested by the company, speculation suggests the main team is in place and nearly ready to launch the product in the UK.

The news comes as rumours circulate that Samsung is developing a mobile payment solution, with a possible tie-up with existing mobile payments firm LoopPay, although nothing has been confirmed by either Samsung or LoopPay.

Any Europe-based mobile payment syustem could be affected by proposed legislation the European Union Council of Ministers has put forward that focuses on stronger customer authentication controls and the possibility of licences for some states.

Clare Hopping
Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.