As Apple launches iOS 9.2 in China, netizens have found that Apple Pay supports the country’s official e-banking service UnionPay, making it possible to use Apple Pay domestically.
Apple Pay is already being used in China by savvy local users
After upgrading to iOS 9.2 on iPhone, Chinese netizens can add their UnionPay card to the Apple Pay in the electronic wallet function after they set their location on the iPhone as USA.
However this still doesn’t mean Apple Pay has officially entered the Chinese market. Only smartphones set as located in the USA with SIM cards linked to Apple Store can access Apple Pay.
After connecting to Apple Pay, Chinese users can choose either fingerprint or PIN code payment methods. Some netizens have reported they successfully payed into the POS at a Beijing McDonalds with their UnionPay card on Apple Pay.
Apple and UnionPay said earlier they would partner with China’s four major State banks to officially launch Apple Pay in China around the Spring Festival of 2016.(Translation by David)
