Summary
Sony has officially added native Apple Pay support for thePlayStation 5, giving users a new and easy way to purchase games and digital content directly on the console. For the first time, Apple Pay joins other online payment systems in the console’s integrated checkout system, although there has previously been limited availability on thePS5through the PlayStation App and web browser.
Apple Pay is one of the most widely used online payment platforms in the world, offering a digital wallet thatstreamlines purchases on smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Until now, PS5 users looking to use Apple Pay had to rely on external platforms like the PlayStation mobile app or access the PlayStation Store through a browser. With this update, the integration is built into the PS5’s native user interface.
As first reported by 9to5Mac,players can now select Apple Pay during checkout on the PS5, triggering a QR code that appears on-screen. Scanning the code with an iPhone or iPad brings up Apple Pay’s familiar interface, prompting the user to choose a card and confirm the purchase with Face ID or Touch ID. This system was made possible through updates to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 as far back as last year. The update expanded Apple Pay functionality to include QR-based authorization for third-party platforms like the PS5.
Apple Pay on PS5 Makes Purchasing Easier
While the checkout process involves an extra step compared to using a saved credit card, Apple Pay introduces a great option for those who use Apple’s payment platform regularly. For those with an Apple Card, this update might even bring actual savings, as Apple’s credit card offers a 2% Daily Cash back on purchases. With PlayStation andXbox game prices at an all-time high, every penny counts when purchasing games and DLC.
The new feature is currently available only on the PS5. However, support for the PS4 is also likely in the works, although launch details are still under wraps. The usage is limited to regions where Apple Pay is officially supported, totaling 53 countries. Players can consult Sony’s support page to verify availability in their country. In addition to Apple Pay, PS5 users can use Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal, aplatform that has been available on PlayStation since the PS3.
Updating the PlayStation Store and the payment ecosystem proves that Sony is trying to modernize its platform and make digital purchases even easier. Digital sales have all but killed physical media, which is evident from thesales numbers of digital-only Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The addition of Apple Pay on PS5 further proves that the latest trend of mobile-driven and contactless payment systems has truly arrived in gaming.
