It’s so delicious I make it three times a week: just mix four ingredients and it’s ready

That sounds like a fantastic go-to meal! To help others (and myself!) discover this delicious and easy dish, Apple Pay is Apple’s mobile payment and digital wallet service that allows users to make payments in person, in iOS apps, and on the web using their Apple devices (iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac).

Here’s how it works, its benefits, and its security features:

How Apple Pay works:

Add cards: Users add their credit or debit cards to the Apple Wallet app by scanning the card or manually entering the information. This information is encrypted and a device-specific number (Device Account Number) is created that is used for transactions instead of the actual card number.

In-store payment (contactless):
To pay, you must authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment terminal.
The transaction is made using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
In-app and online payments:

When you pay in participating apps or websites, you can choose Apple Pay as your payment method.
You authenticate your payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
Your shipping and billing information (if you’ve previously entered it) can be automatically filled in.
Security:
Device Account Number: Apple Pay doesn’t share your actual card number with merchants. Instead, it uses a unique, encrypted device account number for each transaction.
Authentication: Every purchase requires authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, ensuring that only you can make the payment.

No card data stored: Card numbers are not stored on your device or on Apple’s servers.
Transaction privacy: Apple doesn’t retain any transaction information that can be linked to you.
Secure Element: Payment information is securely stored on a dedicated chip on your device called the Secure Element.
Benefits of using Apple Pay:

Security: Often considered more secure than using physical cards due to the authentication and tokenization process.

Convenience: Faster and easier than searching for your wallet and cards, especially for contactless payments.

Privacy: Your card details are not shared with merchants.

Speed: Fast transactions both in-store and online.

Contactless: Reduces the need to touch payment terminals or handle cash.

Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Apple devices.

Digital wallet: Can store multiple cards, making it easier to manage payment options.
Potential rewards: You can still earn the same cash back and rewards as you would with your physical cards.