iStore South Africa has launched iStore Pay, a new digital payment platform that enables South African businesses to accept contactless payments directly on an iPhone without the need for traditional point-of-sale hardware or card machines.
The launch marks the first official rollout of Tap to Pay on iPhone in South Africa, introducing a mobile-based payment acceptance system aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and independent merchants seeking lower-cost and more flexible payment solutions. Using only an iPhone and the iStore Pay app, merchants can now accept payments from contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and other digital wallets.
The service is available on iPhone XS devices and newer models running iOS 18 or later. Chris Dodd said the launch represents an expansion of the company’s long-term commitment to technology accessibility in South Africa. “Two decades ago, we set out to bring the very best of Apple to South Africans. With the launch of iStore Pay, that commitment now extends to entrepreneurs and small businesses,” Dodd said. “By enabling Tap to Pay on iPhone locally, we are helping remove traditional barriers to commerce and making it easier for businesses to accept payments using technology they already have.”
A shift away from traditional card machines. The launch comes amid growing demand for mobile and contactless payment solutions across South Africa’s retail and small business sectors. Traditionally, businesses accepting card payments have relied on dedicated point-of-sale terminals, often involving hardware costs, rental agreements, setup fees and banking contracts. iStore Pay seeks to simplify that process by turning the iPhone itself into a payment terminal. At checkout, customers simply tap their contactless bank card, smartphone or smartwatch against the merchant’s iPhone to complete a transaction. The system also supports PIN entry and accessibility features built into iOS.
The company says merchants can register, complete onboarding and begin accepting payments in less than 15 minutes through the app.The platform is specifically targeted at entrepreneurs, freelancers, informal traders, service providers and small businesses looking for lower barriers to entry into digital commerce. By removing the need for additional payment hardware, the solution may appeal particularly to mobile businesses and startups seeking more affordable payment infrastructure. The company said there are no upfront, monthly or payout fees until 1 August 2026. After the promotional period, businesses generating less than R2 000 in monthly turnover will pay a R20 monthly fee.
Transaction fees start from 2.5% per payment, while payouts carry a flat fee of R2.99. Merchants will also receive free daily payouts until 31 July 2026, provided they maintain a minimum wallet balance of R500. The app includes a built-in merchant dashboard that allows businesses to monitor sales, payouts, refunds and transaction insights in real time. According to Apple, the Tap to Pay system uses the iPhone’s built-in security architecture to protect payment information. The company says card numbers and transaction data are not stored on the device or on Apple servers. Transactions are encrypted and processed using the same security standards applied to Apple Pay.
The launch aligns with increasing global adoption of tap-to-pay smartphone technology as businesses and consumers continue shifting toward cashless and contactless transactions. South Africa’s payments sector has seen significant growth in digital transactions over recent years, driven by increased smartphone usage, fintech innovation and changing consumer behaviour following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Industry analysts have noted that simplified payment acceptance tools could play a key role in helping small and informal businesses participate more fully in the digital economy. The introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone also places South Africa among a growing number of countries where Apple’s contactless merchant payment technology is available.
Founded as Africa’s first and only Apple Premium Partner, iStore South Africa operates 43 stores across South Africa and provides Apple products, technical support and business services to consumers, educational institutions and enterprises.
