Apple Pay, now a decade old, first landed in the UAE in 2017 and Qatar in 2021, steadily building its presence in the Middle East. The latest expansion hinges on integrating Jaywan and Himyan, local card networks akin to Visa or Mastercard, into Apple’s ecosystem. As reported by 9to5Mac and confirmed by AppleInsider, code in the iOS 18.4 beta points to this rollout, with a likely public debut in early April when the update drops. Unlike splashy features like new emoji or Vision Pro apps also tied to iOS 18.4, this change targets everyday convenience for cardholders in these regions.
Jaywan’s intent is clear. A support document from the UAE-based network, cited by AppleInsider, details plans to bolster digital payments, including a deal with Samsung Gulf Electronics to add Jaywan cards to Samsung Wallet. “The next phase will also see implementation of Jaywan on Google Pay and Apple Pay,” it states, signaling a multi-platform push. Himyan, Qatar’s contender, has stayed mum—no official word yet on its Apple Pay plans. Still, the beta code suggests both networks are in play, a quiet nod to Apple’s behind-the-scenes work.
A Slow Burn to Ubiquity
Apple Pay’s journey hasn’t been a straight shot. Launched in 2014 in the U.S., it faced skepticism—merchants balked, and consumers needed convincing. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay and Wallet, told AppleInsider in October 2024 that only 3% of U.S. merchants accepted it at the start. “We worked really hard on getting a great consumer experience,” she said. Fast forward to today, and over 90% of U.S. merchants are on board. That grind—educating users, partnering with banks—paved the way for global growth, now reaching deeper into Qatar and the UAE.
For Jaywan and Himyan users, this means tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch at checkout instead of fumbling with plastic. It’s not just faster; it’s safer—each transaction uses a unique code, keeping card details off the grid. In the UAE, where digital payments are surging, Jaywan’s move aligns with a national drive to cement its status as a fintech hub. Qatar’s Himyan, serving a growing middle class, could see similar uptake as contactless catches on.
Why It Matters for Users
Picture this: You’re at a Dubai café or a Doha mall. With Apple Pay on your Jaywan or Himyan card, you skip the wallet shuffle—tap, done. No cash, no PIN, just a glance at your watch or phone. For small merchants, it’s a low-lift upgrade—most modern terminals already handle contactless, so adoption’s a breeze. Posts on X reflect excitement, with one user calling it “a game-changer for daily buys.” Another flagged the security perk: “No more handing over my card.”
The timing’s spot-on. iOS 18.4, due in April, packs other goodies—new emoji, a Vision Pro app—but the Apple Pay expansion could steal the show for these markets. It’s not flawless, though. Users need an iPhone 6s or later, and merchants must play ball. In the UAE and Qatar, where Apple’s market share is solid, that’s less a hurdle than in Android-heavy regions. Still, Himyan’s silence leaves a question mark—will it match Jaywan’s pace?
The Bigger Picture
Apple’s not just chasing convenience—it’s staking a claim in the global payments race. Google Pay and Samsung Wallet are in the mix, but Apple Pay’s edge lies in its tight ecosystem and security chops. The UAE and Qatar, with their young, tech-savvy populations, are ripe for this. Jaywan’s multi-wallet strategy—Samsung today, Apple tomorrow—shows the competitive heat. Himyan, if it joins, could nudge Qatar’s banks to step up too.
This isn’t a moonshot innovation; it’s practical evolution. Apple’s been at this for years, chipping away at barriers. Bailey’s 90% stat underscores the payoff—once merchants buy in, users follow. In the Middle East, where cash still lingers, contactless could tip the scales. Reuters notes the UAE’s digital payment volume hit $150 billion in 2024; Qatar’s on a similar arc. Apple’s slicing off a piece of that pie.
What’s Next?
Come April, Jaywan and Himyan cardholders will likely tap into Apple Pay, assuming no beta hiccups derail the plan. For UAE users, Jaywan’s roadmap suggests a smooth rollout—its Samsung deal proves it’s serious. Himyan’s quieter stance might mean a slower start, but the iOS code doesn’t lie—Apple’s prepping both. By March 14, 2025, the stage is set; April’s the curtain call.
For Apple, it’s another brick in the wall—more users, more markets, more reasons to stick with its gear. For Qatar and UAE residents, it’s a nudge toward a cashless life, one tap at a time.
