Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s Pay service could start on Saturday, Oct. 18, suggests an internal memo circulated to Walgreen Company (NYSE:WAG) employees. Going by trends, the company hardly launches new features or gadgets on Saturday, but since the service is designed for in-store shopping, a weekend launch will give customers a chance to try the service.
Walgreens prepares to use Apple Pay
On Oct. 16, Apple is expected to host its next iPad event, and Apple Pay may follow on Oct. 18. At the iPad event, the company is expected to unveil a new iPad Air, Retina iMacs and most probably a new Retina iPad Mini. Another important announcement could be the OS X Yosemite preview, followed by its launch in coming months. There could be detailed information about Apple Pay and possibly even the launch of the payment service.
Drugstore Walgreens is a significant partner to Apple, in addition to companies like McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD), Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS), and others. In the Walgreens memo, it was mentioned that iPhone 6 users will be able to use Apple Pay in Walgreens stores by clicking the upper portion of the pin pad to pay for their purchases, says a report from MacRumors.
Suspense over launch date
Just a couple of days ago, USAA Assistant Vice President Vikram Parekh said that the bank will start supporting Apple Pay on Nov. 7, which also indicates that the service might be launched somewhere around that time. However, there could be another scenario in which USAA and other banks could start supporting Apple Pay at different times after it is launched. Also the iPhone maker suggested October as the possible date of launch of its service.
Both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will have the Apple Pay feature through an update to iOS 8. iOS 8.1, which is being tested by developers, includes hidden Apple Pay settings and set-up screens. Apple Pay is expected to launch around the Oct. 16 event, which also indicates that iOS 8.1 could be launched around that time as well. The company’s Apple Pay service will be integrated with those of credit card companies and banks.
