iStore South Africa has launched a new digital payment platform called iStore Pay, aimed at helping entrepreneurs and small businesses accept contactless payments directly through their iPhones.
The service was officially announced in Johannesburg on May 12, 2026, making iStore the first company to introduce Tap to Pay on iPhone in South Africa.
The solution allows merchants to accept in-person payments using only the iStore Pay app on a compatible iPhone, removing the need for traditional card machines or extra payment hardware.
Businesses using the platform can accept contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, digital wallets, and other tap-to-pay payment methods.
The launch reflects the growing shift toward mobile-based commerce solutions, especially among small businesses looking for cheaper and more flexible payment tools.
According to Chris Dodd, the company sees the service as a way to make digital payments more accessible for South African entrepreneurs.
“Two decades ago, we set out to bring the very best of Apple to South Africans. With the launch of iStore Pay, that commitment now extends to entrepreneurs and small businesses,” Dodd said.
He added that enabling Tap to Pay on iPhone locally would help remove traditional barriers that often make payment acceptance difficult or expensive for smaller businesses.
iStore said the platform was designed mainly for startups, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses seeking faster onboarding and lower operational costs.
One of the main features of the service is that merchants can begin accepting payments without purchasing additional payment terminals. The company said businesses can complete setup and begin transacting in less than 15 minutes.
The pricing model is based on transaction usage rather than fixed subscriptions. Transaction fees start from 2.5 per cent, while merchants are charged a flat payout fee of R2.99.
As part of its launch promotion, iStore said businesses using the platform will receive free daily payouts until July 31, 2026.
The company also stressed the security and privacy features built into the system. According to iStore, Tap to Pay on iPhone uses Apple’s built-in security technology to protect customer information during transactions.
The company noted that card numbers and transaction details are not stored on the device or on Apple servers during payment processing.
Industry observers say the launch highlights increasing competition in South Africa’s fintech and payment technology sector, where businesses are searching for affordable digital payment systems that support mobile commerce and cashless transactions.
The development also reflects wider growth in smartphone-based payment infrastructure across Africa as more merchants adopt digital financial tools to support business operations.
