Apple Pay Used for Subway and Bus... Source Code and Images Leaked

Commercialization Delayed Despite Over a Year Since Domestic Launch
Leaked Collaboration Image Between Apple Pay and Tmoney
Rising Expectations for Apple Pay Public Transportation Use

Apple Pay, which has seen little progress in expanding its usage range for over a year since its domestic launch, is raising expectations as claims emerge that its use for public transportation is imminent.

Leaked images related to Apple Pay-Tmoney.
[Photo by X (formerly Twitter)]

On the 12th, leaked images and source code suggesting that Apple and Tmoney are negotiating the introduction of a transportation card function were posted on various online communities and social networking services (SNS).

The leaked images show a message saying, "Now pay for public transportation with your iPhone," along with a scene of an iPhone being tapped on a bus tag device for payment. Logos of Hyundai Card and SC First Bank, which are collaborating with Apple Pay, are also included. The leaked source code outlines the process the system follows when using Apple Pay as a transportation card.

Both Apple and Tmoney have stated that they "cannot confirm" the leak. However, speculation is spreading that the service launch may be imminent, as the leaked images appear to be actual service screens and the source code looks detailed and authentic.

Meanwhile, Apple Pay, launched in March last year, has been mainly used at convenience stores and large franchise outlets, and payments were not possible at places with only standard card readers. There was also high user dissatisfaction as transportation cards usable with Samsung Pay were not supported. The fact that only Hyundai Card and SC First Bank provide Apple Pay services was also an issue.

The difficulty in introducing the transportation card function is known to stem from the burden on transportation card operators to replace terminals with the payment standard "EMV Contactless" devices adopted by Apple, as well as the need to pay Apple a certain commission. However, if this leak proves true and Apple Pay becomes usable for public transportation, it is expected that the usage range will expand significantly.