Square's Apple Pay-ready NFC reader goes on sale at US Apple Stores

The Square Contactless and Chip Reader — compatible with Apple Pay — arrived at U.S. Apple Stores on Wednesday, and should soon be available through Apple's online storefront.

The product was originally launched in November through Square's website, but availability from Apple should help expand reach. In an announcement Square indicated that Apple is already selling the accessory online, but as of this writing it's not appearing in search results.

Apple is listing the reader for $49. Businesses using it must additionally pay Square 2.75 percent for each transaction. On top of Apple Pay, the hardware also supports Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and chip-based credit and debit cards.

Square is one of the most popular payment options for independent businesses, and could potentially be a major aid to Apple Pay expansion, alongside PayAnywhere's similar reader launched in August. Most U.S. Apple Pay merchants are large chains like Best Buy, GameStop, Walgreens, and Whole Foods.

Apple is working on expanding support, but a number of official partners — like Anthroplogie, Dunkin Donuts, and Forever 21 — not only lack firm launch dates, but have been sitting on Apple's list for many months. 2016 should see Apple Pay arrive at several more partners at least, such as Cinnabon, Starbucks, KFC, and JCPenney.

22 Comments

Mr_Grey 8 Years · 118 comments

About 8 years ago

It's funny how Apple accessories made by other companies are always so much fairer priced than Apple's own accessories. I'm going to pick up one of these tomorrow.

boredumb 14 Years · 1418 comments

And that steamroller of Pay momentum casts another stunning blow.../s

maestro64 19 Years · 5029 comments

I used their system for the first time the other day, it worked the way it should. The best part about the place I used it at, this place was cash only until about 3 months ago and they had the square system. I immediately asked them if they would accept apple pay. I must not have been the only one who asked since they put in the system a week ago.

sflocal 16 Years · 6138 comments

Mr_Grey said:

It's funny how Apple accessories made by other companies are always so much fairer priced than Apple's own accessories. I'm going to pick up one of these tomorrow.

And what's your point? Just about all the non-Apple accessories I've ever purchased for use with my Apple devices crapped-out, broke, constantly-replaced under warranty, etc..

I don't harp (or brag like you do) about it simply because just about everyone knows that when you buy Apple, you're buying more than just the product. You're buying quality, durability, and support. Everyone knows 3rd-party stuff is a roll of the dice and accept it.

sirlance99 11 Years · 1301 comments

sflocal said:

Mr_Grey said:

It's funny how Apple accessories made by other companies are always so much fairer priced than Apple's own accessories. I'm going to pick up one of these tomorrow.

And what's your point? Just about all the non-Apple accessories I've ever purchased for use with my Apple devices crapped-out, broke, constantly-replaced under warranty, etc..

I don't harp (or brag like you do) about it simply because just about everyone knows that when you buy Apple, you're buying more than just the product. You're buying quality, durability, and support. Everyone knows 3rd-party stuff is a roll of the dice and accept it.

Unless, of course, you buy from reputable 3rd party companies that have great accessories that are just as good if not better than Apple and cheaper. They do exist.