Apple Pay officially launches in the Philippines

Apple Pay officially launches in the Philippines, bringing Apple’s contactless payment service to Filipino customers for the first time. Customers of participating banks can add eligible cards to the Apple Wallet app and use their iPhone to pay at stores that accept contactless transactions. Apple Pay may also be used for purchases on supported apps and websites. The rollout is limited to cards issued by banks like Metrobank, UnionBank, GoTyme, and ChinaBank. The launch follows earlier hints from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan that the wait for Apple Pay may be ending. The BSP aims to expand payment options and increase competition among banks, electronic wallets, and QR payments. Google Pay previously launched in the Philippines on November 18, 2025, with initial partners including China Bank, EastWest, GCash, GoTyme, Maya, RCBC, UnionBank, Wise, and Zed.