In iOS 9, Apple is making several significant changes to Apple Pay and its associated iOS app that’ll accelerate the rate of adoption by embracing even more forms of payments as well as rewards cards. Read on to find out how Apple is changing Apple Pay and the Passbook app in the next version of iOS.

A New Name

Formerly known as Passbook, the card-holding app also is now being called Apple Wallet to reflect its new focus on the financial side of your life. Though its supported services are being expanded to Discover cards and store credit cards, the new Apple Wallet app holds to its Passbook roots with the continuing ability to add boarding passes, concert tickets and more in the app.

Loyalty and Rewards Cards

As part of iOS 9, Apple will allow users to add reward cards and similar membership cards to Apple Pay. Previously not included with the mobile payment service, these cards allow you to earn bonuses and cash back rewards when you shop at participating retailers. Retailers supporting this new Apple Pay feature include Walgreens Balance Rewards, Kohl’s Yes2You Rewards, Dunkin’ Donuts Perks as well as programs from Coca-Cola, Panera Bread, and Wegmans Food Markets.

Store Credit Cards

Some retailers offer their customers store-issued credit cards that provide discounts on each purchase, access to exclusive cardholder-only sales and other perks. When iOS 9 is released, customers with credit cards from BJ’s Wholesale Club, Kohl’s Department Stores, and JCPenney can add their store cards to Apple Pay. These retailers are only the beginning with additional stores expected to add support for Apple Pay to their credit cards in the future.

Discover Card Support

Starting this fall, Apple will allow you to add your Discover Card to Apple Pay. With this addition, Apple Pay now supports all the major credit card providers in the US including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users will get quick access to Apple Wallet from the Lock screen. You will be able to double-press Touch ID Home button to access Apple Wallet on the Lock screen, which should make it a lot more convenient, and reduce the hassle of unlocking the iPhone.

Global Expansion

Apple also confirmed that it will be bringing Apple Pay overseas starting with the UK in July. Rumors suggest Apple also is in talks with the Royal Bank of Canada, the Bank of Nova Scotia, and other Canadian banks as the company plans a North America expansion.

 

Do you use Apple Pay? If not, will you start using it once it can accept your store credit card or rewards card? Let us know in the comments what you think about these changes in iOS 9.