Hints cropped up last week that Apple Pay might make its debut on October 20, but a newly discovered memo indicates that it may launch even sooner.
In a memo revealed in a report from MacRumors, managers at Walgreens are instructed to prepare for the launch of Apple Pay on Oct. 18.
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"In preparation for the launch of Apple Pay on October 18, we would like you to cover the following material," reads the memo. "Walgreens will be one of the participating retailers and we want to make sure that all your team members are prepared…"
In addition to Walgreens, during its September event Apple has also named Duane Reade, Macy’s, McDonald’s, Bloomingdale’s, Disney Store and Walt Disney World Resort, Sephora, Staples, Subway, and Whole Foods Market as part of its mobile payments system rollout.
However, during the event, Apple did not give a specific launch date, only mentioning the month of October as a launch window for the payments system. Without a confirmed launch date from Apple, the Walgreens date is the closest we've come to any confirmation of when Apple Pay may reach the public.
If accurate, next Saturday's possible launch of Apple pay may come just two days after Apple's iPad event, which is rumored to include next-generation versions of the iPad Air and iPad mini.