With the small matter of the iPhone 6 launch now over and done with, Apple is looking ahead to what’s next, and the customary refresh of the iPad line-up seems inevitable as we close in on the month of October. It has long since been presumed that the company’s tablet range would be in receipt of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and having done some digging on the new iOS 8.1 beta released to devs a short while ago, once investigative developer has discovered references to back up this claim, as well possible Apple Pay support.
Touch ID for iPad isn’t really news. Evidence that TSMC was producing a refined fingerprint scanner for 2014’s new iPhones and iPads has been common knowledge for months, but the integration with Apple Pay, the new infrastructure that will facilitate contactless payments, is a bit of a surprise.
Apple Watch and iPhone seem legitimate facilitators of Apple Pay given the fact that users will likely carry both around with them at all times, but the convenience factor of contactless payment seems a tad lost on a slate that ranges from 7.85 to 9.7 inches in terms of display size.
There’s no refuting the fact that a digital wallet and payment system is more practical and secure than traditional cards and cash, but given the iPad’s sheer form factor, Apple Pay for iPad does seem a little bit of a head-scratcher. Then again, if the technology’s there, one could argue that Apple should include the iPad in the pool of Apple Pay-compliant devices, and as per Hamza Sood’s tear-down of iOS 8.1 beta 1, it appears as though this will be the case.
Users will be able to authorize payments using their iPads’ Touch ID sensors, although at this moment in time, it hasn’t been established whether NFC will be a part of the bargain.
Along with the iPad-related findings, Sood also shares a screenshot of a hidden Apple Pay menu nestled within Settings, which will allow users to manage their cards, select their default payment method and alter personal details.
Apple announced Apple Pay alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in early September, and although it remains one of a number of iOS 8 features that have yet to see the light of day, the Cupertino company did say that it would be rolling out in October.
Whether or not it will coincide with the new iPads remains to be seen, but with OS X Yosemite also impending as well as the floating rumors of a new Mac mini and Retina iMac, it could well be another very hectic month for Apple and those affiliated.
Do you think NFC / Apple Pay on iPad is a worthwhile pursuit? Do share your comments with us below!
(Source: Hamza Sood [Twitter])
You may also like to check out:
- Download iOS 8.1 Beta 1 For iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
- Apple To Hold Another Event On October 21st For New iPads And OS X Yosemite
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