Absa Kenya just made paying for things as simple as a tap on your phone with their new feature — Absa Pay. But before you get too excited and start side-eyeing your iOS buddies, there’s a bit of news to break to them: Absa Pay isn’t coming to iPhones anytime soon.
That’s right! While Absa Pay has comfortably rolled out within the Absa Mobile banking app for Android users, iOS users are left in the cold. Why? Well, Apple is playing hard to get, as usual.
Damn! Apple hates us. Time to just switch to Samsung. https://t.co/36FkwU42S8
— Fintech Guy (@SaruniBM) September 18, 2024
Why no love for iOS?
So here’s the scoop: when Absa Kenya was asked on X about bringing Absa Pay to iPhones, they responded by saying that for iOS users, Apple requires banks to integrate such features through Apple Pay.
Sounds good, right? Wrong. Apple Pay isn’t supported in Kenya. Yup, while the rest of the world might be using their iPhones to tap and pay, here in Africa, only South Africa and Morocco have this feature — (same as Google Wallet). Yep! Apple Pay is only supported in two African countries. For the rest, Kenya included, that’s still a dream that no one knows when it’ll come true.
Apple’s closed ecosystem means that even though Absa has the tech ready for Android, it simply can’t bypass Apple Pay and bring Absa Pay to iPhones.
Why Android wins this round… for now
Now, if you’re sitting with your Android phone, smiling, here’s why: Android plays nice with others.
The real magic behind Absa Pay for Android lies in Android’s open and flexible system. Unlike Apple, which locks down NFC (Near Field Communication) payments to only work through Apple Pay, Android allows third-party apps to access NFC technology directly.
That’s a fancy way of saying, “Hey, if you’re a bank or any app developer, go ahead and build your tap-to-pay service!” This freedom is exactly why you, dear Android user, are now tapping your way through checkout counters with your phone while your iPhone friend is stuck pulling out their card.
Works like a charm! pic.twitter.com/UqJE4h5Ree
— Allan (@eallan_o) September 18, 2024
Google’s operating system is built on flexibility and innovation, giving app developers like Absa the tools to integrate payment services directly into their apps. NFC, the technology behind contactless payments, is available to all apps that want to use it — no strings attached, no exclusive Apple Pay dance to learn. Just straight-up tap and you’re done.
Why is Apple so stingy?
Apple’s reasoning behind locking down NFC access? Well, it’s part of their whole walled-garden approach. By keeping the NFC chip exclusive to Apple Pay, they control the user experience (and, of course, keep those sweet transaction fees flowing into their coffers). And while this setup may work in regions where Apple Pay is available, here in Kenya, it’s more of a roadblock than a convenience.
Sure, Apple’s argument is that they’re protecting user privacy and security, but Android has proven you can still be safe and secure while also being more open and flexible. NFC payment on Android isn’t just for the big players like Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay) and Samsung Pay — banks, retailers, and even small apps can get in on the action. This way, users can still use tap-to-pay even in countries where Google Wallet and Samsung Pay are not available, you know, like Kenya.
What’s next for iOS users?
Now, before you toss your iPhone out the window in frustration, let’s keep things in perspective. Absa Kenya isn’t to blame here; it’s just caught in Apple’s rigid ecosystem. And for iOS users in Kenya, there’s no clear timeline for when (or if) Apple Pay will make its debut. Until then, the tap-to-pay dream remains just that — a dream.
On the brighter side, Apple is working on it. It seems this Android love nudged Apple into opening its NFC to third-party developers. Yep, that’s right. In a recent announcement, Apple shared that iOS 18.1 is set to bring a major change: developers will soon be able to offer in-app NFC transactions using the Secure Element, separate from Apple Pay. This means that, in theory, banks like Absa could offer NFC-based contactless payments from within their apps, just like they can on Android. Sounds great, right?
Well, not so fast. While this is a step in the right direction, Kenya isn’t part of the initial rollout. Apple’s new NFC APIs are launching in select regions — including Australia, Brazil, the U.K., and the U.S. — but Kenya’s not on the list, at least for now. It’s another frustrating wait for iOS users hoping to tap-to-pay using their iPhones.
The NFC and SE APIs will be available to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S. in an upcoming developer seed for iOS 18.1, with additional locations to follow.
The Secure Element is a special chip designed to store sensitive information safely on your device, and this new feature will allow apps to handle NFC transactions outside of Apple Pay. Apps can use it for everything from payments to digital car keys, hotel keys, and even student IDs.
However, this freedom comes with strings attached. Developers need to enter into a commercial agreement with Apple, get special entitlements, and pay fees to access the NFC and Secure Element APIs. And for now, this new functionality will be limited to a handful of regions — Kenya is not one of them.
For Android users, this flexibility is already baked into the platform. Android’s open nature lets developers build features like Absa Pay directly into their apps, without needing to negotiate complicated entitlements or wait for regional rollouts. And while Apple’s Secure Element is certainly a powerhouse when it comes to privacy and security, Android has shown that it’s possible to offer safe, reliable NFC transactions without the same level of restrictions.
Google’s open NFC policies mean banks like Absa don’t need to rely on a system like Google Pay. They can simply integrate their tap-to-pay feature, making it easy for Android users to enjoy contactless transactions with their bank’s app.
For now, Absa Pay is an Android-exclusive treat. But with Apple finally loosening the reins on NFC technology, there’s hope that one day, even Kenyan iPhone users might get to join the contactless payment party.
Until then, Android users, let’s enjoy being ahead of the curve.
