E-commerce
October 1, 2026
Are you wondering if Apple is going to disrupt mobile payment acceptance? Apple's acquisition of Mobeewave in July 2020 could transform the way merchants accept card payments without additional hardware. This technology, based on the CPoC standard, allows a simple smartphone to be turned into a payment terminal, a major development for small shops and e-merchants.
While this innovation promises to simplify checkout, it also raises questions about security, certification, and the future of historical players like Square. For a merchant, understanding these developments is essential to anticipate trends and choose the right payment solutions.
So, will Apple disrupt mobile payment acceptance? On the agenda:
Why did Apple acquire Mobeewave?
How does contactless payment on a smartphone work?
What are the benefits for merchants?
What are the security and certification challenges?
How can Qstomy help optimize your checkout funnel?
Let's go.
Summary
Why did Apple acquire Mobeewave?
In July 2020, Apple acquired Mobeewave, a Montreal-based startup specializing in mobile payments, for approximately $100 million. This technology allows a smartphone to be transformed into a payment terminal without any additional hardware, an innovation that could redefine industry standards.
For Apple, this acquisition is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its financial services ecosystem. By integrating this technology, Apple could enable millions of merchants to accept card payments directly on an iPhone, without an external reader. This would considerably simplify the checkout experience, while strengthening Apple's position in mobile payments.
This move could also threaten established players like Square, which currently dominate the mobile payment terminal market. By removing the need for dedicated hardware, Apple could make many existing solutions obsolete, while offering a simpler, more integrated alternative.
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How does contactless payment on a smartphone work?
Contactless payment on smartphones is based on NFC (Near Field Communication) technology and specific security standards. Thanks to the CPoC (Contactless Payments on COTS) standard, a smartphone can now receive credit card data directly, without an external reader.
Security is ensured by a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), an ultra-secure memory zone within the phone. This technology protects card data during the transaction, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated hardware. EMVco and PCI SSC standards govern these transactions to guarantee their reliability.
Concretely, the customer brings their card or phone close to the terminal, and the transaction is validated in a matter of seconds. This method is not only faster, but also more convenient for merchants who no longer have to manage readers or cables. A true revolution for small shops and street vendors.
What are the benefits for merchants?
The adoption of this technology offers many advantages for merchants, particularly cost reduction. No more purchasing expensive payment terminals; a smartphone is all that is needed to accept payments. This represents significant savings, especially for small businesses.
Flexibility is another major asset. Merchants can accept payments anywhere, whether in-store, at a market, or during an event. This increased mobility improves the customer experience and can increase sales, as the checkout process becomes smoother and faster.
Finally, this solution simplifies daily management. No more need to recharge or secure external card readers; everything is done via smartphone. For e-merchants who also have a physical point of sale, this integration could facilitate the management of omnichannel payments.
What are the security and certification challenges?
Security is a crucial issue in mobile payment. The CPoC and SPoC standards, established by the PCI SSC, guarantee that transactions are secure, even without dedicated hardware. However, these certifications are strict and require rigorous testing.
The Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) is essential for protecting sensitive data. It creates an isolated zone in the smartphone's processor, where card information is processed securely. This technology is now present in most modern smartphones, facilitating the adoption of these solutions.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding fraud and compliance. Merchants must ensure that their payment solution is certified and compliant with current standards. For e-merchants, it is also crucial to choose a reliable and secure payment gateway.
What is the impact on historical players like Square?
Apple's entry into the payment acceptance market could disrupt the established balance. Square, which popularized mobile card readers, could see its business model threatened. Indeed, if Apple offers an integrated solution without hardware, merchants could abandon external readers.
However, Square and other players have the advantage of experience and a wide range of services, such as inventory management or sales reports. They could therefore differentiate themselves by offering more comprehensive features than simple cashing.
For merchants, this competition is beneficial because it could lead to lower prices and improved services. It is therefore essential to follow these developments to choose the solution best suited to one's business.
How does this technology integrate into e-commerce?
For e-merchants, this innovation could facilitate the transition to omnichannel. By accepting payments directly on a smartphone, online stores can offer temporary physical points of sale or pop-up stores without investing in expensive equipment.
This technology could also improve conversion rates by reducing friction during payment. Customers appreciate speed and simplicity, and contactless payment meets these expectations. For merchants, this means fewer abandoned carts and a better shopping experience.
However, it is important to note that this solution is primarily intended for face-to-face transactions. For online sales, a secure online payment gateway is still required. The two approaches are complementary and can be integrated into an overall strategy.
What are the implications for small businesses?
Small businesses are the primary beneficiaries of this technology. By eliminating the need for dedicated hardware, they can reduce their start-up costs and accept card payments from day one. This allows them to be more competitive against major retailers.
The flexibility offered by smartphone payments is also an asset for mobile merchants, artisans, and service providers. They can accept payments from their customers wherever they are, without the constraints of cables or connection issues.
However, small businesses must ensure they choose a certified and secure solution. Customer trust is paramount, and a security breach could be disastrous. It is therefore recommended to turn to proven solutions that comply with standards.
What are the risks of this development?
Like any innovation, this evolution comes with risks. The main one is data security. Although the CPoC and SPoC standards are designed to protect transactions, smartphones remain potential targets for hackers. It is therefore crucial to keep systems up to date.
Another risk is the increased dependency on Apple. If merchants adopt this solution on a massive scale, they could become dependent on the Apple ecosystem, which could limit their flexibility in the long term. It is important to diversify payment solutions.
Finally, this technology could widen the digital divide. Merchants who do not have a recent smartphone or are not comfortable with technology could be left behind. It is essential to offer alternatives and train users.
How to prepare for this development?
For merchants, preparing for this evolution means first staying informed about the latest technological advancements. Following industry news and Apple announcements is essential for anticipating changes and adapting strategy.
Next, it is recommended to test new solutions as soon as they become available. Participating in pilot programs or using beta versions can help familiarize oneself with the technology and evaluate its concrete benefits for the business.
Finally, it is crucial to maintain a flexible payment infrastructure. By diversifying payment channels and using agnostic solutions, merchants can quickly adapt to market developments. This agility is a major asset in a constantly changing environment.
What is the future of payment acceptance?
The future of payment acceptance looks exciting. With the arrival of Apple, the market is likely to accelerate, and new innovations will emerge. We can expect contactless payment to become widespread, making physical terminals obsolete.
Security standards will also evolve to address new threats. Biometrics, such as facial recognition or fingerprints, could become the standard for authenticating transactions. This would enhance security while improving the user experience.
For e-merchants, this evolution means that these new payment methods will need to be integrated into their sales funnel. Customers will expect a seamless and secure experience, regardless of the channel. Solutions like Qstomy can help optimize this experience.
How does Qstomy help optimize your checkout funnel?
Qstomy, as a Shopify AI agent, helps merchants improve their conversion rate by optimizing every step of the buying journey. Through personalized recommendations, Qstomy guides customers toward the most suitable products, thereby increasing the average cart value.
Qstomy also facilitates order tracking and customer service management, reducing friction and cart abandonment. By automating these tasks, merchants can focus on their core business and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
With over 100 merchants supported, Qstomy has proven its effectiveness in boosting sales and building customer loyalty. By integrating Qstomy into your Shopify store, you benefit from an intelligent assistant working for you 24/7.
What is the checklist before adopting contactless payment?
Before adopting contactless payment, here is a checklist to ensure you make the right choice:
Verify compatibility: your smartphone must be recent and compatible with NFC technology.
Ensure certification: the solution must be CPoC or SPoC certified by the PCI SSC.
Test the solution: before adopting it, test it in real-world conditions to assess its reliability.
Train your team: make sure your employees know how to use the solution and handle incidents.
Integrate it into your strategy: think about how this solution fits into your overall sales funnel.
In brief
Apple’s acquisition of Mobeewave could revolutionize mobile payment acceptance. This technology offers considerable advantages in terms of cost, flexibility, and simplicity. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant about security and choose certified solutions.
FAQ
Q: Is this technology available in France? A: Not yet, but it should arrive soon. It is important to follow Apple’s announcements.
Q: Can I use it for my e-commerce business? A: This solution is primarily intended for face-to-face payments. For online sales, you need an online payment gateway.
Q: What are the associated costs? A: The costs depend on the chosen solution. Some may be free, while others charge fees per transaction.
To go further: What is Google Shopping for e-commerce? Definition, feed, and benefits for a store - Qstomy, How to create a payment gateway for an e-commerce site? - Qstomy, What e-commerce strategy for a small brand under $100,000/month? - Qstomy, How to increase sales for an e-commerce store? - Qstomy, What is Google Analytics e-commerce? Definition, GA4, and usefulness for a store - Qstomy, What is an e-commerce payment gateway? Definition and role - Qstomy, What makes an e-commerce business successful? Beyond the showcase website - Qstomy.
Enzo
October 1, 2026
