Can I use Apple Pay in China?

Apple Pay’s Chinese Conundrum: Limited Functionality in Mainland China

Apple Pay, a popular digital payment system, enjoys widespread adoption in many parts of the world. However, its functionality in mainland China presents a somewhat perplexing picture. While the service isn’t entirely absent, its availability is surprisingly limited.

Apple Pay’s core capabilities in mainland China are currently restricted to use within the Safari browser on compatible iPhones and iPads running iOS 11.2 or later. This essentially means that online transactions made through the Apple Pay ecosystem require the use of Safari, a built-in Apple browser. Crucially, third-party browsers do not support Apple Pay for online payments.

This limitation contrasts sharply with Apple Pay’s broader functionality in other markets. Users in these regions can utilize Apple Pay for a much wider range of transactions, including in-store purchases, and often through various mobile browser apps.

The restricted implementation in China likely stems from a combination of factors, possibly including regulatory nuances, the prevalence of alternative payment platforms, and differing technological infrastructure. Regardless of the precise causes, the reality is that Apple Pay’s full potential isn’t realised in mainland China in the same way it is elsewhere.

Users seeking to employ Apple Pay for online purchases in China must therefore rely specifically on the Safari browser within their Apple devices. This is in stark contrast to other digital payment systems which may function across a broader spectrum of browsers and platforms. Further details and clarification on the precise reasons behind Apple Pay’s limited availability in the Chinese market remain obscure.