Apple Pay is on the way to Windows! But you need an iPhone to use it.
You’ll soon be able to scan a code with your iPhone on any PC browser to use Apple Pay.
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What you need to know
At WWDC, Apple announced several major additions to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The tech giant also unveiledApple Intelligence, its AI feature that’s somewhat similar toWindows Recall. But one upgrade to the Apple ecosystem has gone largely unnoticed, and it could have a big effect for some Windows users. Starting withiOS 18, it will be possible to use Apple Pay to make payments on the web, even when using a browser other than Safari.
The change means that Windows users on Edge, Chrome, or any other browser should be able to make payments using Apple Pay. Our colleagues atiMorecovered the news and shared how the functionality will work.
According to Apple, adding support for Apple Pay to a website is easy for developers. Once set up, sites will show the Apple Pay log and then show a popup that says “Scan Code with iPhone.” People can then scan that code with their iPhone just like they’d scan any other QR code. The actual payment process is completed on the iPhone itself.
Apple and Microsoft
Apple and Microsoft aren’t exactly friends. The tech giants compete in several areas and have a long history that includes notable spats. But since both Apple and Microsoft make software, services, and hardware, there’s plenty of overlap between those in the Apple and Microsoft ecosystems. How smoothly Apple and Microsoft products integrate depends on several factors.
Microsoft prioritizes havingMicrosoft 365and several other services available across platforms, so things like Office are fully supported on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. In some cases, Office apps are better optimized for Apple hardware than devices running Windows.
In contrast, Windows users who used Apple services for music had to use iTunes for years rather than Apple Music. Apps for Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices (an app for managing Apple hardware) onlyshipped to the Microsoft Store this year.
Generally speaking, Microsoft seems to work harder at bridging the Apple and Microsoft ecosystems, but Apple has made some efforts on that front as well. For example,iCloud can now integrate with the Windows 11 Photos app. You can send and receiveiMessages through Microsoft Phone Link.
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Unlike iMessage, which is often requested by those who do not have an iPhone, there’s a good chance that someone using Apple Pay already has an iPhone. That makes the requirement to scan codes from an iPhone less of an issue. The feature seems like a natural way to ease the life of people with an iPhone and a PC who plan to make online payments.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
