Chinese Users Can Now Use UnionPay Cards to Pay for Apps on the App Store

Apple's customers in China can now use their local UnionPay credit or debit cards to pay for apps in the App Store. While UnionPay is one of the largest banking cards provider in China, the guys from Cupertino managed to add the support of its cards only now.

According to the official announcement made by Apple, all Chinese customers now have an opportunity to link their UnionPay cards with Apple ID and commit purchases on the go and nearly effortless.

The support of cards issued by China's largest credit and debit cards provider is a massive step forward that is beneficial both for Apple and its customers, especially if to take into account Apple's plans to launch its new mobile payments service called Apple Pay in this country in the near future.

“The ability to buy apps and make purchases using UnionPay cards has been one of the most requested features from our customers in China,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “China is already our second largest market for app downloads, and now we’re providing users with an incredibly convenient way to purchase their favorite apps with just one-tap.”

By the way, as noted by reliable insiders, the deal between the guys from Cupertino and Chinese officials has already been signed. This means that the rollout of Apple Pay in China may take place either at the very end of 2014, or at the beginning of 2015.

[via 9to5Mac]