With partner M1, Apple Pay is available through five banks in the Asian country
Singapore mobile operator M1 launched digital wallet service Apple Pay for its mobile customers in the country, following on the heels of rival StarHub, which launched the service last month.
The operator will allow its subscribers to use the mobile payment service to make purchases at M1 Shop outlets and branches.
Apple confirmed it has extended the reach of Apple Pay to include holders of credit and debit cards issued by five banks in the country — DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, POSB Bank, United Overseas Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.
Apple’s digital wallet service was previously only available to holders of credit cards issued by American Express in the Asian country.
Apple Pay is currently available in six markets — Australia, Canada, China, United States, United Kingdom and Singapore, with planned launches for Hong Kong and Spain during 2016.
Apple Pay can be used on Apple’s iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch devices to make payments at physical retail outlets.
M1 currently has nearly 2 million customers in Singapore using its fixed and mobile services.
Smartphone demand in China reaches 109 million units in Q1
In other APAC news, Smartphone demand in China reached 109.2 million in the first quarter of the year, up 2% quarter-over-quarter and 19% year-over-year, according to a study by GfK.
“The desire for 4G is behind the impressive growth, with 4G smartphone demand in Q1 2016 up 58% year-on-year. Increased operator subsidy support and the falling cost of data plans have made 4G smartphones more attractive and affordable,” the study said.
According to GfK, more than 95% of smartphones sold in Q1 2016 in the Chinese market were 4G enabled.
The study also estimates that total smartphone demand in China will be 411 million units in 2016, which will represent an increase of 7% compared to the previous year.
Smartphone demand in developed Asia-Pacific reached 18.7 million units, down 7% quarter-over-quarter and 4% year-over-year. Japan’s positive performance during Q1 was more than offset by declines in other major countries, including South Korea and Australia. GfK expects demand to decline by 8% year-over-year in 2016, due to a saturated smartphone market.
Meanwhile, smartphone demand in emerging Asia-Pacific totaled 50 million units, up 5% year-over-year.