Apple plans to announce online integration for desktop browsers for Apple Pay at WWDC this Monday, according to an exclusive source that spoke to Digital Trends. This rumor had previously been reported by Re/code back in March, but with a disclaimer saying that a WWDC announcement wasn’t set in stone.
However, coupled with the recent rumors that Apple intends to release a Touch ID sensor with the new MacBook Pro line, it seems Apple has recognized the opportunity to bridge the gap for Apple Pay between traditional brick and mortar retail and ecommerce.
Considering the built-in user base the iPhone represents, using Apple Pay for online purchases in the same way PayPal expedites transactions with small-scale merchants could very soon become a reality.
While Touch ID isn’t necessarily a critical component of the Apple Pay system, it does provide a sense of security. By announcing both the integration of Touch ID sensors into desktop Apple computers and ecommerce support at the same time, it lends legitimacy to the platform.
This could propel Apple Pay into daily lives online faster than you may think, and once Apple Pay has a massive consumer acceptance, retail use could follow in the feedback loop PayPal was never quite able to achieve.
