Apple Pay is coming to Walmart stores across the US, with the retailer set to introduce tap-to-pay from 24 August. The move follows years in which Walmart declined to support contactless services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay at its checkouts.
The change marks a significant shift in strategy for one of the largest retailers in the country, which had long steered shoppers towards its own payment method rather than accepting mobile wallet options.
Which Services Will Work
Walmart announced the update in a press release, though it stopped short of naming the specific services that its new tap-to-pay system would support. It has since been confirmed that Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet will all function with the new system.
The retailer had previously favoured Walmart Pay, its proprietary in-app payment option, over third-party contactless services. The introduction of broader tap-to-pay support brings Walmart into line with the payment choices offered by many other major retailers.
Rollout Timeline
According to the company, the initiative will be complete across Walmart and Sam’s Club stores by the end of 2026. Petrol stations are scheduled to receive the service in 2027.
The phased approach means shoppers will gain access to contactless mobile payments at Walmart and Sam’s Club locations first, ahead of the later expansion to fuel forecourts. The tap-to-pay rollout begins on 24 August.
Source
Image: appleinsider.com
