PayPal launches tap-to-pay for iPhone users in Germany

PayPal has rolled out its new tap-to-pay feature for iPhone users in Germany, allowing contactless payments at physical store terminals that accept Mastercard.

The launch follows a significant shift prompted by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which compelled Apple to open its iPhone NFC chip to third-party developers. Previously, Apple restricted the NFC chip to its own Apple Pay app, preventing other payment apps from utilising it for in-store transactions.

PayPal had announced the feature earlier this month, according to a report by The Verge. The new service, however, is limited to iPhones and does not extend to Apple Watches.


NFC (Near Field Communication) technology enables smartphones to make contactless payments. This rollout marks the first time that PayPal’s tap-to-pay feature is available for iPhones in Germany, building on a similar expansion in the US last September.

In 2023, PayPal also began using iPhones to accept contactless payments through its Venmo and Zettle services. In the US, PayPal integrated its debit card with Apple’s mobile wallet and introduced cashback rewards.

The move signifies PayPal’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in contactless payments, particularly in Europe, where regulatory changes have opened new opportunities.