Starbucks Upgrades iPhone App to Allow Digital Tipping

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Starbucks customers using the company’s iPhone app will be able to show some love to their baristas by tipping them through their smartphones starting March 19.

The Seattle coffee giant enhanced its mobile app for Apple’s iOS system to allow digital tipping at more than 7,000 company-owned stores in the U.S. Customers will be able to tip 50 cents, $1 or a maximum of $2.

The company said the service was the upgrade most suggested by its customers online. Starbucks plans to rehash the Android version of its app later this year.

More than 11% of Starbucks purchases are made with a mobile device, the company said. Nearly 10 million patrons use the chain’s mobile app.

Starbucks said it also spruced up other elements of its iPhone app, which allows for mobile payment, store locating and Starbucks Card reloading.

Customers now also have access to a function called “Shake to Pay.” Shaking the smartphone pulls up the barcode of the customer’s Starbucks Card, making for a faster mobile transaction.

Los Angeles Times

 

Ivan Castilho
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Ivan Castilho is an entrepreneur and long-time Apple user since 2007, with a background in management and marketing. He holds a degree in Management and Marketing and multiple MBAs in Digital Marketing and Strategic Management. With a natural passion for music, art, graphic design, and interface design, Ivan combines business expertise with a creative mindset. Passionate about technology and innovation, he enjoys writing about disruptive trends and consumer tech, particularly within the Apple ecosystem.