Apple Pay has officially launched in the Philippines, Visa confirmed in a newsroom announcement dated 4 August.

Visa debit and credit cardholders can now add eligible cards to Apple Pay on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, confirming what users had been reporting anecdotally since the previous day.

The rollout starts with support from GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, UnionBank, and China Bank.

GoTyme supports eligible Visa debit cards at launch, while Metrobank, UnionBank, and China Bank support eligible Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.

Apple said more banks are expected to support the service over time.

At launch, retailers and restaurants including Jollibee, Shake Shack, Ayala Malls, Foot Locker, Rustan’s, and Power Mac Center accept Apple Pay, alongside telcos Globe and Smart.

Don’t know how to set up Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch? Here’s the full step by step guide on how you can exactly do that.

“Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

He said the launch supports the country’s vision to become a cash-lite economy, giving Filipinos and tourists secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport.

Nine Months After Google Pay

Apple Pay’s Philippine debut comes roughly nine months after Google Pay launched in the country on 18 November 2025 with nine initial partners, including China Bank, EastWest Bank, GCash, GoTyme, Maya, RCBC, UnionBank, Wise, and Zed.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cleared the way for both wallets by classifying them as technology service providers rather than banking entities, letting banks integrate without the added compliance steps of a full banking licence.

The Philippines joins more than 90 countries and regions where Apple Pay is available.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Philippines based on an image by Visa via its website.