Apple Pay on macOS Sierra: A How-To Guide
Apple Pay Now Available on macOS Sierra: A User Guide
Initially exclusive to iPhone and Apple Watch devices, Apple Pay functionality has now been extended to macOS Sierra. This article details the process of utilizing this convenient payment method on your Mac.
Currently, the adoption rate of Apple Pay by online retailers is limited. However, it is anticipated that this number will increase significantly as more merchants integrate the system.
Setting Up Apple Pay on Your Mac
Before employing Apple Pay on your Mac, ensure it is properly configured. A compatible iPhone is still required to authorize payments. Confirm that Continuity is enabled and functioning correctly between your iPhone and Mac. Furthermore, this feature is exclusively supported within the Safari browser.
To initiate a purchase, navigate to a website that accepts Apple Pay. Apple.com serves as a readily available example for demonstration purposes.
Begin by selecting the desired item and adding it to your shopping bag. If the website is equipped to handle Apple Pay, a "Check out with Apple Pay" option will be displayed.
Proceed through the remaining steps of the transaction and then click the designated Apple Pay button.
A prompt will appear, requesting confirmation of the transaction on your iPhone.
On your iPhone, you will be asked to authenticate the payment by placing your finger on the Touch ID sensor. Alternatively, if you are utilizing an Apple Watch, a double-press of the side button will finalize the transaction.
Upon successful completion, a transaction confirmation will be presented, and an invoice will be sent to your email address.
Related: Optimizing Synergy Between Macs and iOS Devices with Continuity.
Security Benefits of Apple Pay
Concerns regarding the security of online purchases are understandable. However, Apple Pay offers a more secure alternative to traditional credit or debit card transactions. Each transaction utilizes a unique, single-use token.
This means your actual card details are never transmitted during the sale. The entire process is contained between your Mac and your paired iPhone or Apple Watch.
Apple clarifies the security protocol as follows:
When you use Apple Pay to make a purchase on your Mac in Safari, Apple Pay transfers purchase information in an encrypted format between your Mac and your iOS device or Apple Watch to complete your transaction.
Future Outlook
While the current number of websites supporting Apple Pay is relatively small, expansion is expected in the coming months. Keep an eye out for the distinctive black Apple Pay logo, signifying a streamlined checkout experience without the need for physical cards.