New Code in iOS 14 Hints at Using QR Codes to Make Apple Pay Transactions

Apple has had an odd sort of relationship with QR codes over the years. While the two-dimensional barcodes have been around for over a decade, it wasn’t until iOS 11 that Apple finally brought native QR code recognition to the iPhone Camera app, opening up a world of new possibilities for users who may never have otherwise sought out a QR code reading app on the App Store.

As is Apple’s typical style with new features, however, once they pick up a ball, they tend to run with it in entirely new and interesting directions. For example, Apple already lets users take advantage of QR codes for things like easily sharing Wi-Fi passwords, and it looks like iOS 14 is poised to make even more use of QR code integration.

For example, we’ve already seen reports earlier this year that new augmented reality features in iOS 14 will use new “cosmic” QR codes that could be picked up in stores like Starbucks to offer discounts and other promotions, and the technology also weighs heavily into Apple’s new App Clips feature, which will allow micro-apps to quickly be brought up for specific purposes, often simply by scanning a QR code or NFC tag.

For example, a scooter or bicycle rental kiosk could use a QR code to bring up the appropriate reservation or booking app.

QR Code Payments

However, Apple also appears to be looking to take this even further by integrating QR code payments directly into Apple Pay, according to new code found in the second beta of iOS 14 by 9to5Mac.

While Apple hasn’t spoken about this feature specifically, last year Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay did demonstrate how NFC tags could be used to trigger Apple Pay payments, and although we never heard much more about the technology after that, it’s easy to see this could also be extended to work with QR codes, especially considering that Apple’s App Clips in iOS 14 have also been designed to use either NFC tags or QR codes, so it’s clear that Apple is embracing both technologies.

App Clips can also include Apple Pay support, but they’re designed to bring up a micro-app that provides more options and information, where this technology seems like it would be intended to simply offer quick collection of payments via Apple Pay.

For instance, you’d likely need an App Clip to rent a scooter, since you’d need to enter things like contact info and how long you plan to keep it for, and the App Clip would also likely need to communicate in some way with the kiosk you’re renting it from.

On the other hand, scenarios where you’re simply making a fixed payment could benefit from QR codes or NFC tags directly integrated with Apple Pay. For instance, last Christmas the Salvation Army began accepting Apple Pay at its Red Kettles, although this was done by triggering a website link, which still required the user to perform additional steps. A QR code could allow for entirely one-tap donations for fixed amounts, or Apple could plan to include code in the Wallet app to allow the user to specify an amount before completing the transaction.

This could save allow many smaller retailers and charities to take advantage of faster Apple Pay transactions without having to build their own App Clips.

Another possible application for the technology would be allowing users to pay bills simply by pointing the iPhone camera at a QR code or even a traditional barcode to make payment via Apple Pay.

As 9to5Mac notes, the feature is far from finished yet, and Apple hasn’t discussed it directly at all, so it’s not entirely clear what the company’s plans are, but it was found in a public system API, which suggests that there will likely be some kind of interaction with third-party apps.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]