iPhone to accept tap-to-pay without more hardware

Apple said it is expanding the iPhone's capabilities to accept contactless payments, making it easier for merchants to conduct tap-to-pay transactions without having to buy additional hardware.

The iPhone has been used as a contactless way to pay for goods and services since Apple Pay launched in 2014. The tap-to-pay feature will use the iPhone's existing NFC chip, and it will only be available on iPhones XS or later, Apple said, and will not be available on iPads.