Apple Pay changed the way that iOS users make payments for everyday purchases.
It is very simple to use, with users having to upload their bank card details to the “wallet”, leaving the details to be saved and linked with encryption technologies. It has eliminated the need to enter details related to the linked card that older traditional methods required, such as address details, cardholder information, and the card’s details (long number, CCV, expiry date, etc.).
Once active, the payment solution can be used for a wide range of purchases, all when using a compatible device. Users do not need the latest iPhone to access the feature, as most devices now come equipped with it.
How Has Entertainment Changed With Apple Pay?
Entertainment is one area where the addition of Apple Pay has changed the experience users receive on their chosen device. Mobiles have become the go-to preference for many because of the convenience that they offer; they can be used to play games while on the move, watch movies and TV shows, or listen to music. This is all in addition to being able to shop and pay bills.
When examining the entertainment sector in more detail, there has been a shift in the revenue models that businesses use. Many have opted for in-app purchases, while some businesses are pay-to-play. Online casinos can be considered to be within the latter, as they require players to deposit funds into their accounts before spinning the reels or playing at the tables.
Businesses like online casinos have used the Apple Pay feature to their advantage, making it easier for players to make purchases. There has been the arrival of Apple Pay casinos, where players can make deposits using the payment solution instantly and with the convenience and safety it provides. At the same time, some games allow players to make in-app purchases using the feature.
Entertainment businesses, such as those operating across all gaming niches, recognise the importance of making payments as simple as possible. While they are designed on a business model that requires players to pay to play or need a way to boost revenues once the player base has been created, they also recognise that they must make the process as simple as possible. If players become tired or frustrated with the process, they are unlikely to want to make a purchase.
Still, have there been external factors that have forced this to happen and made it a necessity for the industry to embrace this form of contactless payment? It’s possible to highlight a few reasons suggesting that transformative technology was always going to need to be embraced for the industry to generate more revenues and become more accessible to entertainment seekers…
Industry Transformation
Apple Pay’s integration with entertainment businesses has accelerated digital wallet adoption, with more than 70% of UK entertainment enterprises now supporting Apple Pay at the checkout. According to figures, 60% of all card payments are contactless, according to an estimate from the UK Payments Markets Summary report in 2024. This figure is continuing to experience a growing rise, as it is said to have been around 55% the year before.
From buying tickets at cinemas and venues to in-app purchases on platforms like Netflix and Spotify, Apple Pay provides frictionless payment experiences, pushing both businesses and consumers toward cashless transactions. The pandemic further heightened demand for contactless payments, moving the expectation from a convenience to a necessity.
Apple Pay’s Transformative Impact
Apple Pay has accelerated the adoption of cashless payments, especially among younger generations who expect convenient digital solutions for purchases and participation in entertainment venues. Its ease of use, security features like tokenisation and encrypted transactions, and compatibility across multiple devices have made it a staple for payments in cinemas, concerts, gaming, and more.
From a business perspective, it has helped transform how payments are collected, further simplifying the process. Apple Pay enhances operational efficiency, dramatically shortening payment times and reducing checkout bottlenecks. This efficiency improves customer experience, encouraging loyalty and repeat visits. The platform also enables personalised engagement by integrating with loyalty programs for tailored offers. It delivers advanced security features that reduce payment fraud and address concerns buyers may have when sharing their financial data during a transaction.
Can Apple Pay Continue To Power A Cashless Entertainment Era?
Given what technology is capable of and the size of the Fintech market sector, it’s guaranteed that there will be many more developments regarding Apple Pay that will further power a cashless entertainment era.
New features and innovations will be consistently designed to transform how consumers pay for things in the future, which the entertainment sector will likely adopt when available.
Businesses aim to generate as much revenue as possible. If users continue to use Apple Pay and new advancements are made, they’ll be adopted quickly if they benefit consumers significantly.
