I didn't see this asked anywhere. Why is apple pay online(not with NFC at store) not supported on iPhone 5s? I don't see any logical reason. It has touch ID, same as new iPads. so what could be the reason?
It does not have the secure element required to store the randomly generated card used in Apple Pay
Apple has a history of blocking/disabling software functionality.
The iPad 2 and iPad mini 1 have basically the same hardware, but only the iPad mini 1 got Siri and voice dictation.
The iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, and iPhone 5S again have similar hardware (especially the iPad mini 3 and the iPhone 5S), yet only the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 get Apple Pay.
I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the 5S to get Apple Pay.
Um... Neither does the iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3, and they both got Apple Pay.
https://www.apple.com/apple-pay/
In fact, even paired with an iWatch, the iPhone 5S STILL won't have the in-app Apple Pay that the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 get!
Apple has a history of blocking/disabling software functionality.
The iPad 2 and iPad mini 1 have basically the same hardware, but only the iPad mini 1 got Siri and voice dictation.
The iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, and iPhone 5S again have similar hardware (especially the iPad mini 3 and the iPhone 5S), yet only the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 get Apple Pay.
I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the 5S to get Apple Pay.
Um... Neither does the iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3, and they both got Apple Pay.
https://www.apple.com/apple-pay/
In fact, even paired with an iWatch, the iPhone 5S STILL won't have the in-app Apple Pay that the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 get!
It doesn't have NFC. The secure element is the same thing that TouchID uses.
You'll be able to use Apple Pay with the 5S, but it'll require an Apple Watch.
Well, which of you is right?
Apple has a history of blocking/disabling software functionality.
I can tell that you really really want this to be a software thing, but it's just not true.
It's missing hardware. The 5S has a "secure element" in its chip, yes, but not a "secure enclave" which Apple Pay requires.
Overview:
http://www.cnet.com/news/everything-you-want-to-know-about-apple-pay/
More details:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8483283