Apple rolls out iOS 8.1 with 'Apple Pay'

Apple has rolled out the new update to its operating software, iOS 8.1, which comes with Apple Pay.

The service will allow iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 owners to pay for goods within compatible apps by simply swiping a finger with Touch ID.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus owners will also be able to use their phones to tap card readers in participating stores to pay for goods using a combination of Touch ID and NFC.

The payment service integrates into the existing Passbook feature on iOS 8.1, allowing users to setup and store credit and debit cards.

However, Apple Pay is available only in the US at present, and is expected to be made available in additional countries next year.

More than 220,000 stores in the US will accept the contactless payments, including Nike, McDonalds, Office Depot, and many more. Airbnb, Uber, and Groupon are among the many supporting Apple Pay within apps at launch.