If you have a mobile app, you will want to know how to integrate payments into an iOS app. iOS users spend more on average on in-app purchases than Android users. The shocking truth is that while Apple only controls 13 percent of the global smartphone market, iOS provides higher revenues via in-app purchases and additional app monetization efforts. So, if your business seeks to generate revenue from its app, building an iOS app is the best choice.
However, without integrating Apple Pay or a payment gateway, your business won’t be able to process a payment request or generate revenue from its iOS app. This post will help your business understand how to successfully integrate Apple Pay or a payment gateway into its app.
Integrating Payments Into an iOS App
Before we cover how to integrate Apple Pay or a payment gateway, you need to understand what they are. Payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Square process card payments online and in person. Apple Pay is a digital wallet that allows users to store their payment information and execute contactless payments. Besides storing a user’s card information digitally, Apple Pay also offers users an Apple Card issued through Goldman Sachs.
To support Apple Pay in your app, your company must first have a payment gateway to process payments. Luckily, there are several payment gateways available to businesses that can be used online and in-store if you leverage both sales channels. The best way to handle payment gateway integration is to first find the provider that best meets your needs. For example, providers might charge different processing fees, some providers might not offer physical card processing, and some might not support Apple Pay.
Once you have selected a payment gateway, integrating it with your iOS app should be straightforward. Each provider will offer users an API and thorough documentation to simplify the payment gateway integration process. While APIs make integration simpler, your business will still need to have a developer handle the integration process. APIs simplify integration for developers, but for people with no technical experience or background, they won’t be much help.
Integrating Apple Pay
If you have an iOS app, you should strongly consider integrating Apple Pay. Whether you are in the retail industry and run an eCommerce app on iOS or have a services app or game that relies on users making in-app purchases, Apple Pay integration is a must. Apple Pay is growing in popularity, and Apple incentivizes users to pay with Apple Pay by offering rewards, interest-free financing, and more.
Apple offers thorough documentation to simplify Apple Pay integration with your payment gateway of choice. However, not all payment gateways support Apple Pay. Make sure that the payment gateway you choose for your business supports Apple Pay if you have an iOS app. Your business will need a developer to complete Apple Pay integration, but the steps are straightforward.
- Create an Apple ID and Merchant ID – If you already have an app that accepts payments, you will already have a merchant ID. Make sure that you use the same merchant ID when integrating Apple Pay.
- Configure Apple Pay in Xcode – This step requires an iOS developer. They will need to configure Apple Pay services in Xcode.
- Test Apple Pay – Before deploying Apple Pay, your development team needs to run test transactions to ensure that it is functioning properly. You can create a sandbox user in your iTunes account and add a test card.
Businesses that already have a payment gateway might resist the idea of hiring a developer to integrate Apple Pay. However, Apple Pay is growing in popularity, and the realities of a global pandemic have only served to increase consumer demand for convenient contactless payments. By the end of 2020, user estimates put Apple Pay users at over 507 million global users. In addition, Apple Pay is the most popular digital wallet, especially among US teenagers.
Now is the time to integrate Apple Pay into your existing application. If you are in the process of building an iOS application, there is no reason not to include Apple Pay. Speak with your development partner to ensure that Apple Pay integration is included in your project.
The Business Benefits of Apple Pay Integration
Apple Pay integration benefits businesses in several ways. It is already accepted at over 85 percent of retailers in the United States, and its popularity will only continue to grow because Apple Pay is secure, fast, and convenient. Consumers love using Apple Pay. It is by far the most widely used mobile wallet. Beyond popularity, here are the benefits your business can unlock with Apple Pay:
- New customers
- Access to generation Z
- Quicker payments
- Tap to Pay
New Customers
Apple Pay has a large user base. By enabling Apple Pay as a payment option in your app, you create more opportunities for your business to reach new customers. Many modern consumers prefer to use mobile wallets because they are so convenient. Without Apple Pay, you could be alienating a large pool of potential customers.
Access to Generation Z
Generation Z and young millennials prefer mobile experiences. These people grew up with technology, and they are comfortable using the latest innovations. Furthermore, this demographic group has less experience with traditional banking and is far more likely to adopt new technology trends. If your business wants to reach this group, it should accept Apple Pay and other mobile wallets not only for in-app purchases but also in-store, if applicable.
Quicker Payments
Compared to traditional methods of payment, Apple Pay is faster at transferring funds from consumer to seller. Stay ahead of your business expenses and maintain positive cash flow with Apple Pay.
Tap to Pay
Apple recently announced a new capability called Tap to Pay. Tap to Pay will allow businesses to turn their iPhones into payment processors. Businesses can accept Apple Pay and other credit card payments through a simple tap on their iPhones. Tap to Pay won’t help businesses looking to increase in-app revenues, but it is an exciting new innovation that builds on the capabilities of Apple Pay.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pay has already proven to be successful with millions of users worldwide. With the success of the company’s other product offerings, it is safe to assume that Apple Pay will only get more popular and universally accepted. Now is the time to integrate Apple Pay into your iOS app. Reach out to an experienced app development partner to learn how to integrate payments into an iOS app.
