Tap to Pay on iPhone is currently available across eight European markets added in one major expansion: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Malta. Merchants in those countries can use a supported app and compatible iPhone as a contactless payment terminal.
Apple’s official announcement dates the rollout to May 27, 2025. This is not a new September 2026 launch, but Apple’s current developer regions page still lists payment providers in the affected markets, confirming that the availability remains active.
The feature requires an iPhone XS or later running the latest version of iOS and a supported payment app. A customer can hold a contactless debit or credit card, iPhone, Apple Watch, or another digital wallet near the merchant’s iPhone. Apple says the transaction is processed through NFC and the Secure Element, without a separate card reader.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
Payment providers vary across the eight countries
Availability depends on local partners, not just the country name. Apple’s list includes combinations of Adyen, Mollie, Revolut, Stripe, SumUp, Viva, Worldline, and other providers, with the mix changing by market. Belgium also supports Bancontact through participating providers, while Denmark includes Dankort support through Nexi and Surfboard Payments.
Tap to Pay is also different from Apple Pay. Our market comparison explains the distinction: Apple Pay lets a customer pay, while Tap to Pay turns the merchant’s iPhone into the terminal. Apple counted Tap to Pay in 50 markets and at more than 15 million merchants in its January 2026 services recap.
The original eight-country expansion was covered when Apple announced it. A later rollout brought the service to five additional European countries, so the eight markets should not be mistaken for Apple’s complete current footprint.
Businesses should check Apple’s live regions page and their preferred payment provider before relying on the feature. Country support does not mean every bank, network, or point-of-sale app works in every location.
Discussion