The New York Times is reporting Apple will announce a rewards program for Apple Pay, set to debut most likely at WWDC, which kicks off on June 8. Essentially, the rewards program will offer perks to customers to encourage them to use Apple Pay. You can bet there will be a way for retailers to integrate loyalty programs into Apple Pay, too:
Apple is preparing to announce details about enhancements to Apple Pay at its software conference next month. Those include a rewards program for the mobile wallet service, said two people briefed on the product.
[…]
People familiar with Apple Pay said that next month, Apple will announce such a program offering perks to consumers who make purchases with the service, though they declined to reveal details.
The article also profiled Google’s new mobile payment–known as Android Pay–(yes, it’s original like Samsung Pay) set to be announced today at its annual I/O developer conference; Google Wallet will get a revamp as well that will continue to support iOS users.
Canadians are eagerly awaiting Apple Pay here, as it would enable a key feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch users. Apple Pay is currently available only in the USA.
There’s no word on when Apple Pay will launch in Canada, but a former WSJ report noted the service could debut here as soon as November, pending the outcome of the iPhone maker’s negotiations with Canada’s ‘big six’ banks. Stay tuned.
