Apple’s website in Singapore now features a dedicated page for Apple Pay, which includes a list of participating banks and retailers. Among the banks listed, DBS and POSB have almost identical images on their websites, and UOB also has a dedicated page. Standard Chartered currently does not have any information available. DBS clarifies that Apple Pay offers a fast and secure payment method compatible with a user’s preferred DBS card. Contactless payments are also supported for iPhone and Apple Watch users. The UOB page highlights Apple Pay as a new, easy, and secure way to make payments using UOB debit or credit cards. It emphasizes the contactless payment feature for in-store purchases using iPhones and Apple Watches, assuring users that they will continue to earn the same rewards as they would with their physical UOB cards.
Although not listed as an official Apple Pay partner in Singapore, OCBC launched an Apple Watch app in late March. This app provides customers with convenient, quick, and secure access to their account information and nearby ATM/branch locations directly from their Apple Watch. These features are available through the OCBC Mobile Banking application for iPhone users who have paired their device with an Apple Watch. Aditya Gupta, OCBC Bank’s Head of E-Business in Singapore, highlighted during the app’s launch that OCBC is dedicated to exploring technological advancements to simplify and enhance daily banking for its customers. Gupta emphasized that smartwatches are at the forefront of personal mobile devices, and OCBC’s Apple Watch app caters to the demand for convenience, security, and choice in everyday banking. He believes this continuous innovation solidifies OCBC’s position as a forward-thinking bank.
Apple defines Apple Pay as a payment method utilizing mobile devices and credit cards without sharing actual card details during transactions or storing them on the device. This approach is described as a “safer and more private way to pay.” Apple points out that traditional credit cards expose card numbers and owner identities, and swiping them involves information exchange. In contrast, Apple Pay assigns a unique number to each credit card, encrypting it and storing it on the mobile device, which could be an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. This unique number is used for payment processing during purchases. Enhanced security is achieved because every iPhone and iPad payment requires Touch ID authentication or passcode entry, while the Apple Watch needs to be unlocked.
Apple assures users that in case of iPhone or iPad loss or theft, the Find My iPhone feature can be used to mark the device as lost, immediately suspending Apple Pay. Alternatively, the device can be remotely wiped clean. The iCloud service, accessible from any internet-connected device, allows users to disable payment functionalities for credit cards linked to their iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. For those interested, UOB clarifies that Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, or Apple Watch for payments. In-app payments are supported on iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and iPad 3.
Merchants interested in accepting Apple Pay can access more information on the Apple support website. Customers can download or update the OCBC Mobile Banking application from the App Store. A one-time activation is required on the OCBC iPhone mobile banking app to get started. Once activated, users can view account information and recent transactions directly on their Apple Watch without logging into mobile banking. This service, available for iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, or iPhone 6S Plus running iOS 9 and Apple Watch devices running WatchOS2, allows pairing of only one Apple Watch and one iPhone at a time. No data is stored on either device, and users can set a passcode on their Apple Watch for added security.