Apple Pay Launching in Japan with iPhone 7 in October

Apple today announced during its keynote event that the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and Apple Watch Series 2 will bring customers in Japan the ability to use Apple Pay, starting in October. As reported yesterday, Apple will take advantage of Sony’s FeliCa Networks to bring Apple Pay to Japan, where customers will be able to commute and pay for everyday items with Suica from JR East, and make convenient and private credit and prepaid card purchases in stores, apps and on the web with a single touch.

We are incredibly excited to bring iPhone 7 to customers in Japan so they can experience the magic of Apple Pay,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Apple Pay will transform your daily routine, from making your commute easier and more convenient than ever with Suica right on your iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2, to using your favorite cards to make secure and private purchases with a single touch.”

Apple highlighted that it is also introducing support for transit in Japan with Maps in iOS 10, so commuters can easily find ride details, including fare breakdowns that automatically show Suica pricing right on their device, making their commute more seamless and simpler than ever. “As the world’s largest transit operator, JR East is committed to innovating so we can provide our customers across Japan the best service possible,” said Tetsuro Tomita, president and CEO of East Japan Railway.

All major financial brands in Japan will also support Apple Pay, so shoppers can make purchases in many of the country’s largest stores, at neighborhood shops and restaurants, and from their favorite online merchants. 

All iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and Apple Watch Series 2 devices sold in Japan will support FeliCa Type-F NFC contactless technology, which is used every day for more than 160 million transactions across Japan.