Iraq is moving ahead with plans to introduce Apple Pay, as the government steps up efforts to modernise its financial infrastructure and expand digital services.
According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), a government committee tasked with activating Apple Pay held a virtual meeting with Apple's regional managers to discuss technical and administrative requirements for the service's launch in Iraq.
The two sides also reviewed integration mechanisms with Iraq's national electronic payment system.
In a separate report, Al-Sharqiya TV said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had officially directed the launch of the global Apple Pay service for users in Iraq.
A government source cited by the outlet said the initiative was part of the country's broader digital transformation program, which aims to develop the electronic payments sector and increase financial inclusion.
"The government is working to complete the technical and operational preparations to achieve the goal of making this service available to users in Iraq," the source told Al-Sharqiya, emphasising its alignment with Iraq's push for a digital economy.
A follow-up meeting between Iraqi officials and Apple is expected in the coming weeks to finalise technical arrangements.
If successful, Iraq will join a growing number of countries in the Middle East offering Apple Pay, enabling users to make secure, contactless payments via iPhone and Apple Watch.