LifeHack: Apple Pay
Why We’re All In on Apple Pay
We only recently started diving into Apple Pay, prompted by the release of the new iOS 10. During the upgrade process, we were encouraged to set it up, and honestly, Apple made it so easy that we figured, “Why not?” Plus, with the advent of chip & PIN payments in New York driving us all a little crazy, trying out a new payment method seemed like a much-needed change. The clunky rollout of chip technology raised more questions than it solved: Do I swipe? Do I insert my card? Why does the process take so painfully long?
These frustrations paved the way for Apple Pay to shine, especially for iPhone users. What sets it apart is the seamlessness of the process. Thanks to the fingerprint recognition technology in the home button, payments feel almost instantaneous. After using Apple Pay just once, we found ourselves rethinking the way we pay for things in general. It might sound dramatic, but the time saved adds up, making it a small but impactful life hack.
How Does It Work?
The process couldn’t be simpler. When a payment terminal prompts you for your card, all you have to do is double-tap the home button on your iPhone. That’s it. If you’ve already added a card to your Apple Pay wallet, the process is automatic. If you’re managing multiple cards, the system lets you easily choose the one you’d like to use. Either way, it’s smooth, fast, and intuitive—qualities that have become synonymous with Apple’s design philosophy.
For those with an Apple Watch, the process gets even cooler. With your phone tucked away in your pocket or bag, you can complete the entire payment by double-tapping your watch. This adds a new level of convenience, especially in situations where pulling out your phone might feel cumbersome. And it doesn’t stop there: Apple Pay is built into Safari, allowing you to extend the convenience of this payment system from physical transactions to online purchases. Imagine completing an online checkout with a simple tap—it’s a game-changer.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
There’s a reason Apple Pay feels so revolutionary. The speed and simplicity of the process put traditional payment methods to shame. No more awkward moments wondering whether to swipe or insert your card. No more waiting for the terminal to process your chip payment at a glacial pace. With Apple Pay, you double-tap, scan your fingerprint, and you’re done before the next person has even reached for their wallet.
But it’s not just about speed. Apple Pay also feels more secure. With its use of Touch ID and tokenized transactions, it eliminates the need to hand over your card or expose sensitive card details to vendors. It’s a subtle shift, but one that adds a layer of reassurance every time you pay.
Adopting the Apple Pay Lifestyle
At RIOT, we’re always on the lookout for ways to optimize our day-to-day lives. Whether it’s through better workflows, time-saving tools, or new tech, we love experimenting with innovations that make life easier. Apple Pay ticks all those boxes. It’s a simple, streamlined system that genuinely improves how we interact with the world. We’ve gone from skeptics to full-fledged fans in just a few uses.
And if you haven’t gotten on board with Apple Pay yet, here’s our advice: Give it a try. Whether you’re someone who values convenience, enjoys cutting-edge technology, or just wants to save a few seconds here and there, it’s worth it. From shopping in-store to browsing online, Apple Pay is as versatile as it is effortless.
Short, Sweet, and Revolutionary
Apple Pay may seem like a small shift in how we pay, but it’s one of those innovations that quietly revolutionizes everyday life. Its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, its blazing speed, and its enhanced security make it an absolute no-brainer for anyone who owns an iPhone or Apple Watch. If saving time, reducing hassle, and enjoying cutting-edge technology sound like wins to you, then Apple Pay is the way forward.
Still on the fence? Go ahead, double-tap that home button, and experience it for yourself. Trust us—you won’t want to go back to the old way of paying once you’ve tried it.
