Apple Pay to hit ExxonMobil gas stations via Speedpass+ touchless payments system

Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced the company's plans to introduce Apple Pay compatible Speedpass+ touchless payments system at all ExxonMobil gas stations in the US. The announcement came during Apple's quarterly (Q1) conference call for 2016.

Although there is no official word on the exact timeframe for launching Apple Pay's upcoming expansion, it is ascertained that the support would be limited to ExxonMobil gas stations in the coming months. According to Apple Insider, ExxonMobil's native touchless payment system is already offering the service across 5,000 Exxon and Mobil stations nationwide.

Cook announced the partnership with ExxonMobil just a moment after clarifying that Apple Pay support has now extended to more than five million terminals.

In the coming months, iPhone users will be able to link their Apple Pay accounts with ExxonMobil's Speedpass+ service and make their payments via an in-app wallet. Though the Speedpass+ service will be initially limited to in-app Apple Pay payments, NFC-based payment services for iPhone and Apple Watch could be introduced a bit later.

Once the Speedpass+ service is activated, customers can use an NFC key fob to directly interact with the gas station's terminal. The key fob is then connected to a registered and activated debit or credit card that the user links to the account for use.