Hobex Introduces NFC Tap-to-Pay Feature for iPhone Devices
In an exciting development for small businesses, Austria-based payment service provider Hobex has partnered with Apple to introduce the Tap to Pay feature on iPhones. This innovative technology allows merchants to accept contactless payments without the need for additional card readers or hardware.
The technology leverages the iPhone's built-in NFC capabilities, enabling secure payments by simply tapping a contactless card or mobile wallet on the device. To get started, merchants can download the Hobex POSit app from the Apple App Store after signing a contract with Hobex and begin accepting payments within minutes.
The payment process is straightforward. A customer taps their contactless payment card or smartphone (such as Apple Pay) on the merchant's iPhone, and the payment is securely processed through Hobex's service, handling the transaction and settlement. No extra physical terminal is required, minimizing setup complexity and cost.
This new offering brings several benefits for small businesses. It is cost-effective, eliminating the need for separate payment terminals, lowering hardware investments. It is also convenient, enabling payments anywhere with just an iPhone, providing mobility and flexibility. Fast transactions speed up checkout processes, improving customer experience, while the security of the technology leverages Apple's secure NFC technology combined with Hobex's payment infrastructure.
Moreover, the technology is likely to integrate with existing POS or accounting systems, simplifying business operations. Hobex serves over 44,000 customers in Austria and currently employs around 170 people.
The Tap to Pay feature is based on an API that Apple opened to third-party providers following EU regulatory requirements. It is available in five European markets and allows merchants to accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets without separate card readers. The technology relies on the integrated security features of the iPhone to ensure privacy and security for both businesses and customers.
This initiative by Hobex democratizes access to modern payment technology, helping small businesses efficiently accept digital payments and compete in an increasingly cashless economy. Apple processes payments in such a way that card numbers and PIN data are not stored on the device or Apple servers, ensuring the highest level of security. The technical setup requires an iPhone XS or newer with the latest iOS version.
The innovative Tap to Pay feature on iPhones, facilitated by Hobex, also allows merchants to accept other digital wallets, such as smartphones or gadgets using the same technology. This partnership can significantly reduce hardware expenses for small businesses, as it consolidates the need for separate payment terminals into a single smartphone.
