The solution effectively eliminates the need for traditional point-of-sale (POS) hardware, dongles, or separate card machines, allowing businesses to transact using technology they already own.

The service utilizes the Near Field Communication (NFC) chip within the iPhone to securely read contactless payment methods. To process a sale, a merchant simply enters the amount into the iStore Pay app and prompts the customer to tap their contactless card, iPhone, Apple Watch, or other digital wallet against the back of the merchant’s device.

This system requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18 or later. It accepts all contactless Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, along with Apple Pay and other major digital wallets. Security is built on Apple’s Secure Element technology, ensuring that card numbers and transaction data are encrypted and never stored on the device or Apple’s servers.

iStore Pay introduces a “pay-as-you-transact” model, positioning itself as a flexible alternative to traditional merchant services that often carry high monthly rentals. The transaction fees start from 2.5% per sale, and there is no hardware cost since the system utilises the user’s existing iPhone.

There are no standard monthly fees, though a R20 monthly charge applies only if turnover falls below R2,000 per month starting in August 2026. Elsewhere, payouts carry a flat fee of R2.99, although iStore is offering free daily payouts as a launch promotion until 31 July 2026.

The solution is managed through a standalone app that serves as a central hub for business operations. Beyond just accepting payments, the app allows entrepreneurs to monitor sales history and transaction records instantly through real-time tracking. It also provides tools to manage funds, allowing merchants to view pending payouts and process refunds directly from the interface.

Furthermore, the app provides business insights and data visualisations to help owners understand their sales performance and identify scaling opportunities.

As Apple’s only Premium Partner in Africa, iStore is also setting a new standard for trade-in values, offering up to R22 000 cash back when you trade in your current phone. Customers can get their trade-in value as cash back into their bank account up to 30 days after their iPhone purchase, which means the full trade-in benefit will be available for any customer who buys now. Find out your device’s trade-in value here.

iStore has also recognised the growing trend of customers opting to purchase their devices outright rather than through traditional cellular contracts. To support this shift and offer a more affordable way to own the latest iPhone, iStore is offering additional trade-in savings. Customers trading in any iPhone 13 range can receive up to an additional R4 000 in savings, while those trading in an iPhone 14 range can enjoy up to an additional R5 000 in savings. This initiative allows customers to enjoy the freedom of contract-free iPhone ownership.

Customers can easily complete the required paperwork online, avoiding the hassle of in-store queues. Once the contract upgrade is finalised, the device will be delivered directly to the customer’s doorstep free of charge. Pre-order for cash is available here.

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max aren’t short on fancy garnish, but the biggest question is whether, at their core, they’re enough to sate your appetite for a not-inexpensive upgrade. I’ve been living with my upgrade for the 2 weeks and this is my first hand experience with it.

Sierra Blue is a must see colour

This year, Apple’s halo colour is Sierra Blue, a rather fetching pale metallic blue with matching tint to the polished metal edge. There’s also Silver and Graphite, plus a slightly different Gold to last year’s finish.

The front gets Ceramic Shield glass, the stainless steel band is surgical-grade, and there’s IP68 water and dust resistance. Even with all that, you’ll almost certainly want to cosset its glass and metal in a case, and since the camera cluster is larger than last year you won’t be able to use your iPhone 12 Pro case again.

Magic display

On the front is one of the iPhone 13 Pro’s big selling points, the new ProMotion display. Apple’s 120Hz panels have been an iPad Pro feature for some time now, but this is the first time we’ve seen the tech arrive on its smartphones. Much as with Android devices with high refresh rate screens, scrolling, games, and fast-moving graphics look silkily smooth and generally pleasing on the new panel. Its first noticeable thing to those using previous gen devices.

Arguably just as important, though, is how slow ProMotion can go. The standard iPhone 13 screen has a 60Hz refresh rate, but while the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s panel can crank up to 120Hz, it can also drop to as low as 10Hz, depending on what’s on-screen. When you’re using apps that don’t need such a rapid rate, then, iOS can save on power.

You don’t notice the change in refresh rate in daily use, just how cleanly lists and such scroll as you whip your finger across the Super Retina XDR OLED display.

Capture picture perfect mementos

Like last year, you get three rear cameras: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. Each has been improved for 2021, though. There’s now optical image stabilization on every lens, the zoom is 3x optical, every camera supports Night mode, and the wide and ultra-wide sensors are physically larger and have bigger apertures for a greater appetite for light. Macro support has been added, along with a brace of computational photography features for both stills and video.

The wide camera will probably see the most use, and its f/1.5 aperture, seven-element lens is paired with a significantly larger sensor. Last year, iPhone 12 Pro Max buyers got a bigger sensor than those with an iPhone 12 Pro, but this time around it’s the same regardless of the size of phone you pick. The result is a claimed 49% more light-gathering versus the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and a hefty 2.2x improvement versus the iPhone 12 Pro.

For video, there’s up to 4K/60 Dolby Vision HDR recording, or – after an update – ProRes video recording at up to 4K/30fps. That’s if you have anything but the lowest-capacity iPhone 13 Pro: if you opt for the 128GB model, your ProRes support is capped at 1080p/30. Honestly, ProRes is nice but I suspect most people are never going to take advantage of it.

You must try Cinematic Mode

What people would be much more likely to play with is Cinematic mode. Apple describes it as a far easier to use version of the focus racking that professional videographers rely on expensive camera rigs to achieve; it’s probably easier to think of it as Portrait mode but for video.

Like Portrait stills, the subject is crisp while the background gets a shallow depth of field effect; you can tap different subjects to smoothly switch that blurring, or leave Cinematic mode to intelligently switch by itself depending on what it thinks the most likely subject is.

That intelligence works reasonably well, generally speaking. The nice thing about Cinematic mode is that you can change the focal points later on: since the bokeh is artificially added, you can edit the clip and change the subject.

Battery life is for the books

A full day is no problem with the iPhone 13 Pro Max. I shot masses of video and photos on my Speed Week drive, and used it as a hotspot with my HP Spectre, and still had power left at the end of the day. I’m not going to say you can’t get yourself into a situation where a mid- to late-evening charge could be needed, but you’d really have to be hammering it to make that sort of dent.

There were times when I could’ve plugged in for an outlet, but allowed myself the laziness of not pulling a Lightning cable out of my bag because I was confident enough in how long the iPhone 13 Pro Max would last. That’s the sort of cautionary top-up I’d not have skipped with last year’s handset.

My verdict..

Look, if you have an iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max, you should probably sit 2021’s update out. Apple may not have used its “S” branding, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the epitome of evolutionary change. Improved, sure, but only those utterly addicted to life on the (expensive) bleeding edge should upgrade from last year’s models.

Anybody with an older iPhone, though, should give the iPhone 13 Pro serious consideration. Even if the fancier camera tech isn’t swaying you, the core hardware improvements in Apple’s sensors makes a noticeable difference. iOS 15 is showcased at its best on the excellent ProMotion display and the punchy A15 Bionic chipset, and the battery improvements mean that experience won’t expire prematurely.

I am using the iPhone 13 Pro Max 256GB R25 899.

Apple revealed the iPhone 13 on Tuesday, changing Apple’s 2021 current collection of iPhone devices from top to (almost) bottom.

According to Apple, the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max has the most advanced pro camera system ever on iPhone, Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion and A15 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone.

iPhone 13 and 13 mini features a sleek and durable design, an advanced new dual-camera system for improved photos and videos in low light and the new Cinematic mode.

Earlier this year the Apple Pay service launched in Mzansi on Absa, Nedbank, Investec and Discovery Bank.

Five cards under FNB are supported at first, including Premier Fusion, Private Fusion, Private Wealth Credit, Business Debit, and Aspire Debit.

CEO of FNB Card, Chris Labuschagne says, “Apple Pay will further accelerate the adoption of contactless payments for customers and it is available to all FNB customers with compatible Apple devices.”

“Our customers can add their Virtual Card via the FNB App and make a purchase using Apple Pay which provides customers with digital led flexibility and control via the FNB App.”

More like any other market, Mzansi is no stranger to payment systems that don’t involve the exchange of physical money or even the swiping of plastic. That is both a boon and a bane for the fledgling Apple Pay. On the one hand, all the necessary infrastructure, as well as the market mind share, are already in place. On the other hand, Apple is coming late into the game.

The features supported by Apple Pay in SA is on par with those elsewhere. Meaning both in-app purchases and, more importantly, in-store purchases are available, depending on your device. The iPhone 6 and later models support both types of transactions, while Apple Watch only support in-store buys. The lack of an NFC chip on the iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and 4 means that only in-app purchases can be done with Apple Pay. As always, the security of each transaction is guaranteed, especially with Touch ID.

Announced earlier in the month, the new iMac 24-inch is Apple’s most colourful since the iMac G3, though if you want the biggest choice of finishes you’ll need to shop with iStore online.

The range kicks off at R25 999 for a version with the Apple M1 (with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU), 256GB of storage, and 8GB of memory. On the front there’s a 4.5K Retina display, while on the back are two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. A Magic Keyboard is included too, but there’s no USB 3 and no ethernet.

For that, you’ll need the R29 999 iMac 24-inch at least. That has an 8-core GPU version of the Apple M1, plus adds two USB 3 ports and gigabit ethernet; the latter is mounted on the power supply brick. Apple also includes the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

Finally, there’s the R33 999 configuration. That has the same M1 and 8GB of memory as the mid-range spec – more memory is an option – but 512GB of storage. It, too, comes with the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

All three configurations are available to pre-order now. Currently, the entry-level iMac 24-inch is said to ship between May 21-27, as is the top-spec configuration. The mid-range model is currently said to ship between June 8-15.

iPad Pro 2021

As for the new iPad Pro, the differences between the two sizes are getting even more notable in 2021. Both sizes now use Apple’s M1 chipset, for more performance from iPadOS. However, while the 11-inch iPad Pro sticks with its usual Liquid Retina display, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro goes for a new Liquid Retina XDR display.

That relies on Mini-LED technology, for much greater control over brightness and colour. The 11-inch model starts at R13 999, or from R18 999 if you want built-in 5G. As for the 12.9-inch version, that starts at R19 699, or from R24 199 if you want built-in 5G. Both are available to pre-order now, though delivery times for the larger tablet are already slipping into mid-June.

Apple TV 4K with new Siri Remote

Last, but by no means least, there’s an updated version of Apple’s set-top box. The new Apple TV 4K now uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, and supports up to 4K High Frame Rate HDR. It also has a Thread radio inside, initially not activated, but waiting for more smart home applications.

More interesting, though, is the redesigned remote. The new Siri Remote has a better navigation controller and adds buttons for controlling TV power and volume mute. It comes bundled with the new Apple TV 4K, from R3 199, or can be bought separately from R1099.

Today the automaker is looking ahead to an even more ambitious version with BMW Digital Key Plus. According to an announcement released today BMW says the technology willl launch with the iX all-electric SUV and will be based in Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

Currently, the BMW Digital Key allows you to use your iPhone as a virtual key for your car. It also means sharing access to the vehicle is easier, since up to five contacts can be granted their own virtual key too, through iMessage. Digital Keys can be preconfigured with limits for vehicle top speed, total available power, and even how high the audio system volume can be set, and to automatically expire after a certain period of time.

The difference is, however, that the BMW Digital Key Plus will make use of the Apple U1 UWB chip found in the latest generations of the iPhone. The big advantage is UWB’s position-awareness: rather than just knowing you’re near to the car, your BMW will will know exactly whereabouts you’re standing; you’ll also not necessarily need to take your phone out of your pocket or bag. According to BMW, “UWB’s precision also ensures that relay attacks, where the radio signal is jammed or intercepted, are not possible.”

Certainly, it’s borrowing that model’s crisp edged styling – something Apple is also expected to do for the iPhone 12 later this year – but with five different, more eye-catching colours. They’re silver, space grey, rose gold, green, and sky blue – all of which are headed our way.

This new iPad has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen, larger than the old Air but in the same overall tablet footprint. That runs about 2360 x 1640 resolution. Since there’s now no room for a home button and its integrated fingerprint sensor, Apple has moved Touch ID to the power button on the top edge. That, apparently, according to the company, is its smallest authentication sensor ever, and taps into a new, faster Secure Enclave for speedier recognitions.

Also inside is the new Apple A14 Bionic processor, built on 5nm processes.

Unexpectedly, although a welcome change, there’s now a USB-C port on the bottom, rather than Lightning, again following the iPad Pro. That’s good for 10x the bandwidth, Apple promises, and can also drive up to a 4K external display.

There are stereo speakers, and WiFi 6 is standard. Versions of the iPad Air with LTE will also be offered, with up to 10x faster data rates thanks to a new modem. For the front, there’s a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. That has an f/2.2 aperture lens, Smart HDR support, and promises better low-light performance than on the old Air. It also captures video at up to 1080p 60fps.

The rear camera, meanwhile, is borrowed from the iPhone 11. It clocks in at 12-megapixels, with f/1.8 aperture and improved video stabilization. It can shoot 4K 60fps footage, or alternatively 240 fps slo-mo video.

There’s support for the same Apple Pencil as on the iPad Pro, and you’ll be able to charge it in the same way, with the stylus magnetically-clinging to the side of the new iPad Air. Apple has also made it compatible with the same Smart Keyboard cover as its more expensive tablet.

For the good stuff, Apple says the new iPad Air pre-orders will begin from today, priced from R12 499 for the WiFi-only versions, and from R14 999 for the WiFi + LTE versions. It’ll come in 64GB and 256GB storage options. The Apple Pencil 2nd Generation is R2999, while the Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air is available for R3499.

But how does the app work? After signing up, users can jog, cycle, train or drive anywhere, confident that if anything bad should happen they are covered with 24/7, country-wide, armed response. Built for both iPhone and Apple Watch, ReactPlus allows users to activate an alert even when their iPhone is not within reach.

With Apple Watch Cellular, ReactPlus works independently of iPhone and even if you leave your iPhone at home. Should your iPhone get taken, you can still activate an alert on your Apple Watch Cellular and get immediate help from the closest armed response.

In addition to this, iStore will be offering all customer who purchase an Apple Watch Cellular from iStore the first six months of ReactPlus for free, and thereafter a subscription fee of R39 per month applies. ReactPlus can be dowloaded from the App Store.

Key features of the app include;

• Help Me – Once activated the ReactPlus app broadcasts the user’s location to all the nearest responding security partners as well as the app’s 24 hour Command Centre that tracks users in real time and assists the responder by providing them with all the required information.

• Meet – This unique feature allows users to use ReactPlus when they are meeting a stranger at any location outside their home. By triggering “Meet” ReactPlus will immediately prompt the user to enter the meeting address. A safe meeting window will then be assigned. Once the scheduled meeting is completed, ReactPlus will check-in with the user to ensure that they are safe. This will be validated with a unique security code that would have been chosen by them at the beginning of their meeting. Should no response be received, or the code entered incorrectly, armed response will immediately be dispatched to the location.

• Ride – “Ride” has been built to ensure users have a companion checking whether they arrived safely at their destination. Users can trigger the “Ride” function before they commence their trip, ReactPlus will ask them to confirm their destination and expected arrival time. Once their expected arrival parameters have been met, ReactPlus will automatically check-in to see if they are safe. Similar to Meet, this will be validated with a unique security code that would have been provided to the user at the beginning of their trip.

The initiative will see refurbished iPads, from an iStore trade-in drive with customers and donations from partners, be deployed to support the learners who have fallen behind.

iStore have not only committed to the donation of R1 million worth of refurbished iPads to the programme, but have also enhanced the value of the trade-in for customers. This means that customers will have the benefit of a higher value when trading-in their pre-loved iPads and know that their iPad is going towards helping matric learners secure their futures.

MyFuture programme learners will also have access to a digital learning kit which includes the following:

• Refurbished iPads to support learners with digital learning
• Access to high quality curriculum relevant Grade 12 content
• Live study sessions with teachers
• Live study sessions with fellow matric learners
• Sufficient data to connect to the programme

iStore has three different versions of the iPhone SE, each of the three storage sizes included. There’s a 64GB version, a 128GB version, and a version with 256GB internal storage. All versions of the iPhone SE have the same hardware for the most part. It’s just the amount of internal media storage that you’re getting different – and the colour casing on the outside.

Cash pricing was revealed this week as follows:
– iPhone SE with 64GB storage for R9 999
– iPhone SE with 128GB storage for R12 999
– iPhone SE with 256GB storage for R14 999

iStore suggests that users can get to 50% “off” the price of the iPhone SE “when they trade in an eligible iPhone.” Basically this is iStore’s best new bet in getting new customers with a relatively inexpensive phone – so inexpensive that they could potentially give it to users for free.

As numbers sit at 2 415 confirmed cases in Mzansi, our current global pandemic requires that companies like Apple step forward and offer their tech power to assist the world in avoiding sickness and death. Mobility data revealed by Apple today is not attached to any specific user account, but is based instead on user requests for Apple Maps data for directions.

Per Apple’s release on the subject this week, Apple’s created this new tool for the public using mobility trends for major cities and 63 countries or regions, including Johannesburg and Cape Town (below  graphs). The data is generation by “counting the number of requests made to Apple Maps for directions.” This data is used to show changes in volume of people moving throughout a city. This is slightly different from the contact tracing business – slightly.

Trends show people moving via driving, walking, or taking public transit in the Apple tool, via Apple Maps. Data availability is based on several factors for each city, country, or region. One significant factor in play is the minimum threshold for direction requests made per day. If you live in a region where very, very few people are asking for directions at, for example, 3AM in the middle of the wilderness, you’ll get no significant info from Apple’s tool.

If you’d like to access this data, take a peek at the site Apple COVID-19 Mobility – as of today. This site may change in the future, but for now, that’s the place to go. You can see trends listed with the tool or by downloading a CSV of all the data all at once. If you’ve got an idea for a project based on the data, let us and/or Apple know.