The oldest iPhone models that support Apple Pay are the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus, provided they are running a compatible iOS version (iOS 8.1 or newer for initial support, with newer iOS versions required for some features or regions). These devices feature the necessary NFC chip for in-store payments, alongside Face ID or Touch ID models, excluding the iPhone 5s for Apple Pay in stores.
The service is compatible with iPhone 6 and newer, iPad Air 2 and newer, Macs with Touch ID, and Apple Watch Series 1 and later.
You can use Apple Pay with an iPhone 5, 5s or 5c, but only if you have an Apple Watch paired with the phone as you can't carry out contactless transactions with an iPhone 5 alone. Older models of the iPhone won't work with Apple Pay.
Apple Pay allows you to make payments at physical stores, online shops and within apps with your Apple iPhone 11 Pro.
First, ensure your card supports Apple Pay. If that's not the case, there are a bunch of other reasons behind “my Apple Pay is not working.” Outdated software: Your device's software is outdated and may interfere with or hinder the smooth operation of Apple Pay. Incorrect card setup: The card isn't set up correctly.
You can use Apple Pay in stores on your iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone® 7, iPhone® 7 Plus, iPhone® 6, iPhone® 6S, iPhone® 6 Plus, iPhone® 6S Plus, and Apple Watch™ with compatible iPhone 5 or later & Apple Watch Series 3, 2 & 1.
Use Apple Pay
Quickly open the Wallet app by double-pressing the Side button. Apple Pay icon. 2. Hold your Watch up to the contactless payment terminal.
Mainstream software support for the iPhone 7 was dropped when iOS 16 was released. But, it still receives iOS 15 security updates (as of September 15 2025). The current version of iOS to support iPhone 7 is iOS 15.8. 5.
Yes, an iPhone 6 still physically works for basic tasks like calls, texts, and some apps, but it's stuck on iOS 12 and lacks crucial security updates, making many modern apps (banking, social media) incompatible or risky, and its performance will be slow; it's best as a backup device or for offline use, not a daily driver.
Even when your iPhone's battery is dead, it can still perform contactless functions thanks to a feature called Power Reserve. This mode allows specific services, like Apple Pay or Express Cards, to remain functional with very little power.
You'll need one of the following devices running on iOS 11 or above: iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE (or later) Apple Watch (paired with iPhone 6 or later) 9-7 inch iPad Pro, 12-9 inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3.
The oldest iPhones still considered "usable" for basic functions with some app support, thanks to extended security updates for iOS 15, are the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and the original iPhone SE (1st Gen), though they are now considered obsolete by Apple and will stop getting major updates soon. For modern apps and better longevity, you'd need an iPhone 8/X (stuck on iOS 16) or newer, with the iPhone 11 being a good entry point for current iOS 26 support and better functionality as of late 2025/early 2026.
Contact your card issuer to see if they support Apple Pay. Update to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, or visionOS. Confirm that you have Face ID, Touch ID, Optic ID, or a passcode set on your device. Make sure that you are in a supported country or region.
Pay with your iPhone
To use your default card: If your iPhone has Face ID, double-click the side button. If prompted, authenticate with Face ID or enter your passcode to open Apple Wallet. If your iPhone has Touch ID, double-click the Home button.
With your eligible cards stored in the Wallet app on iPhone, you can use Apple Pay for secure, contactless payments in stores, restaurants, and more. Note: Apple Pay isn't available in all countries or regions.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were discontinued as of February 2020, having sold 86.3 million units worldwide, making them one of the best-selling smartphones of all time. They initially shipped with iOS 11 and supported up to iOS 16, and do not support iOS 17.
No, Apple Pay and Apple Wallet aren't the same, but they work together: Apple Wallet is the app (your digital container) that stores your credit/debit cards, loyalty cards, tickets, and passes, while Apple Pay is the technology/service that uses those cards in the Wallet to make secure, contactless payments in stores, online, and in apps. Think of the Wallet as your physical purse and Pay as the tap-to-pay function.
If you're under 13 years old, you can't add a debit card to Wallet to use with Apple Cash.