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 store’s design and interior were first revealed earlier last week when iStore finally had the barricades removed after months of work.

Part of iStore’s goal with redesigning their stores is to change the public’s perception of the locations as simply places to buy Apple products and third party accessories. A spokesperson has said that they want their stores to be viewed more as meeting spots, much like Starbucks, or as places where interesting events take place, with friends wanting to check it out together. To celebrate the opening of iStore Canal Walk, on 17 and 18 August, iStore has planned exciting events with some of Mzansi’s leading artists.

And by splurge, we do mean taking out a huge chunk from your bank account. Catching up before the iPhone 7 well runs dry, Louis Vuitton has unveiled its new “Eye-Trunk” line of leather cases that do make your iPhone look like a leather-covered trunk. If you’re into that kind of thing.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that’s probably what the respected fashion brand is trying to appeal to. After all, who would want to make their iPhones look like some old-fashioned chest, complete with the traditional style of locks of old. Well, probably those that want anything LV on their phones.

Those with concerns and objections to the use of leather should probably stay far, far away as well. Especially with the “precious Golden Crocodile leather” case. Not that many would be able to afford it anyway. That one sells for R67 058 for the smaller iPhone 7, or R73 125 for the iPhone 7 Plus.

For those more strapped for cash can opt for the Monogram or Monogram Reverse cases. Those cost “only” R15 600 or R16 690, for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, respectively. And, no, the front side of the case isn’t any better.

It’s unsurprising that these Louis Vuitton cases would cost more than the phone itself. Fortunately, there isn’t one yet for the R16 000 iPhone 8. On the upside, if the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus don’t differ from their predecessors in terms of physical dimensions, these LV cases would also work for them as well.

Speaking about the announcement, Belkin general manager Steve Malony said, “We are introducing a broad range of iPhone and Apple Watch products, and every design we create is inspired by our mission to help people get the most out of this new technology.”

The new Belkin line includes the “Stand” for the Apple Pencil, as well as the Case + Stand for Apple Pencil. The stand is made from anodized aluminum with, says the company, a bead-blasted finish and a recessed silicon tip holder. The Case + Stand option includes a protective case in which the Pencil can be stored; there are compartments for small accessories, as well, and stand functionality. Both products are priced at roughly R300, with the Case + Stand being available now and the Stand for Apple Pencil being slated for a late September launch.

Joining these are some accessories for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, including the Air Protect SheerForce Case that is both transparent and impact-resistant, as well as the Sport-Fit, Sport-Fit Plus and Sport-Fit Pro Armbands. All three armbands are made of neoprene material with a velcro strap and a high-grade film for phone protection. The Plus version includes a card and cash pocket and better breathability, while the Pro version includes a “cord management loop,” according to Belkin.

All three armbands and Air Protect SheerForce Case.will launch on September 10

And, while plenty of users jumped on board when the iPhone got a bump to 5.5 inches with the 6 Plus, Apple isn’t going to try and entice anyone with another screen size bump — the 6s Plus’ major upgrades are on the inside. Of which your friends won’t really be able to notice should you wish to upgrade.

Should, say, your friend’s lesser knowledge about iPhones not be a problem here are a few notable differences on the iPhone 6s Plus as announced last night:

The new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will be built from a new, custom aluminium alloy, and will be available in silver, gold, space grey, and rose gold.

As expected, they will have Force Touch, which can detect where you’re pressing on the screen and how hard. The 6S will have the same 4.7 inch display screen as the iPhone 6, and the 6S Plus will retain its 5.5 inch screen.

The upgraded iPhones both have a new A9 chip built in, 70 percent faster than the A8 at CPU tasks, and 90 percent faster with graphics.

ou’ll also see a new 12-megapixel rear iSight camera, capable of shooting video in 4K, and a 5 megapixel front-facing camera with Retina Flash that’s supposedly 3x brighter than regular flash.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus start September 12th, in the states, and general availability will follow on September 25th. The latest version of iOS, however, is coming sooner than that: iOS 9 will be released in a little under a week, on September 16th.

At the time of publish, no local operator nor the official Apple distributor had confirmed the release and pricing of the new devices.

ABSA Pebble supported devices:

• HTC One;
• HTC One V;
• HTC One X;
• HTC One SV;
• Huawei Ascend P6;
• Huawei Ascend Y300;
• Huawei Ascend Y220;
• Huawei Ascend G525;
• Samsung Galaxy Pocket Neo (GT-S5310);
• Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 (GT-S7710);
• Samsung Galaxy S2 (GT-I9100);
• Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300);
• Samsung Galaxy S3 mini (GT-I8190);
• Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500);
• Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-i9500);
• Samsung Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100);
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9000);
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9005);
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (GT-N5110);
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE (GT-N8020);
• iPhone;
• iPad;
• Blackberry Z10;
• Blackberry Q10;
• Blackberry Z30

*Additional Reporting from MyBroadBand