Apple Pay continues to solidify its position as the most-used mobile payment method in the United States. With the rise of digital wallets and growing consumer preference for contactless payments, the number of Apple Pay users has steadily increased over the years.
Apple Pay Users in the US (2022–2026)
Year |
Number of Users (Million) |
Annual Change (%) |
Percentage of Population (%) |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | 50.8 | +18.1 | 18.1 |
2023 | 55.8 | +9.8 | 19.8 |
2024 | 60.2 | +7.9 | 21.2 |
2025 | 63.9 | +6.1 | 22.3 |
2026 | 67.0 | +4.9 | 23.3 |
Apple Pay in 2025: Surpassing 63 Million Users
In 2025, Apple Pay is projected to surpass the 63-million-user milestone, representing 22.3% of the US population. This marks a 6.1% annual growth from 2024, showcasing the continued adoption of mobile payments among consumers.
Key Insight: By 2025, more than one in five Americans will use Apple Pay for their transactions at least once a month.
Future Growth: Slowing But Steady
While Apple Pay usage is expected to grow in the coming years, the rate of growth is forecast to slow:
- 2026: 67.0 million users (+4.9%), representing 23.3% of the population.
By 2026, nearly one in four Americans will be regular Apple Pay users.
Demographics and Retail Adoption
- Generational Usage: While millennials are the leading demographic for touchless payments, Apple Pay is especially popular among Gen Z consumers.
- Retail Penetration: Over 85% of US retailers accept Apple Pay, enhancing its accessibility for both in-store and online transactions.
Point-of-Sale (POS) vs. Online Adoption
Apple Pay adoption varies by payment context:
- In-Person Payments: 58% of US consumers used Apple Pay at physical points of sale (POS) in 2024.
- Online Payments: 36% used Apple Pay for online transactions, up from 21% in 2018.
Insight: While in-person usage dominates, Apple Pay adoption for online transactions is steadily rising, driven by consumer trust and convenience.
Long-Term Forecast
Looking further ahead, the number of Apple Pay users is expected to reach 75.4 million by 2030, accounting for over 25% of the US population. This sustained growth aligns with broader trends in mobile payment adoption and the increasing preference for secure and contactless transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Market Leadership: Apple Pay remains the most-used mobile payment method in the US.
- Growing User Base: By 2026, 67 million Americans will use Apple Pay regularly, highlighting its widespread adoption.
- Retail Integration: With acceptance at over 85% of US retailers, Apple Pay’s convenience continues to attract both users and businesses.
For businesses looking to leverage mobile payment trends, adopting Apple Pay compatibility is a crucial step to meet consumer expectations and enhance the shopping experience.