Apple is reportedly working on three major iOS 8.x updates, including iOS 8.1, iOS 8.2 and iOS 8.3, with the first beta of iOS 8.1 having already been released to developers. In it, developer Hamza Sood found proof that Apple’s upcoming new iPad will include a Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in the Home button, and that owners will be able to use it to authenticate Apple Pay payments.
FROM EARLIER: Apple releases iOS 8.1 beta to developers, change log here
“Pay with iPad using Touch ID. With Apple Pay, you no longer need to type card numbers and shipping information,” a string of text says in iOS 8.1 beta 1, as discovered by Sood.
However, that doesn’t mean the upcoming iPad, or iPads, will include NFC chips like the iPhone, Sood says, meaning that Apple Pay on iPad is meant to work only for online purchases.
“For the confused: Apple Pay on iPad with Touch ID is just for purchasing things through apps. Not NFC or anything like that.” Sood wrote. It’s not clear whether Apple Pay will work on older iPad model that lack a Touch ID sensor.
Additionally, he provided screenshots from iOS 8.1 beta (available below) that show a new settings screen for Apple Pay settings, as well as Apple Pay privacy.
Apple is expected to unveil at least one new iPad (referred to as iPad Air 2 in rumors) in October, during a special iPad and Mac event. iOS 8.1 is also expected to arrive next month, bringing support for Apple Pay on iPhone 6 models in the U.S. and SMS continuity for Yosemite Macs – a full iOS 8.1 beta 1 changelog is available at this link.
