Walmart is finally opening its doors to Apple Pay. After years of resisting third-party contactless systems to protect its own proprietary app, the retail giant announced that it will integrate the technology into all store locations by the end of this year.
The rollout begins on August 24 for select Walmart and Sam's Club stores. The company plans to bring the new payment options to every physical location as well as its websites and mobile applications. Gas stations will follow this schedule with full coverage expected by the middle of next year.
This move marks a shift in strategy for the retail chain. While competitors adopted tap-to-pay technology long ago, Walmart forced shoppers to use the company-run Walmart Pay. The decision to integrate industry-standard options reflects a broader push to improve customer experience and maintain relevance as online shopping demands continue to change.
Recent financial results show the company is looking for new ways to capture market share. Walmart missed quarterly targets and reported its slowest US growth in more than six years. By modernizing checkout processes, the company aims to reduce friction for customers and address recent pressure on its bottom line.