Apple CEO Tim Cook chats with China about security and his plans for Apple Pay

By Malarie Gokey October 24, 2014

apple tim cook lunch big — Image used with permission by copyright holder

These past few months have been tough for iCloud. First came the September iCloud hack, in which celebrities’ nude photos leaked all over the Internet. Then came a report from Greatfire.org warning about a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack on iCloud’s servers in China. Apple quickly acknowledged the hack attempt, but assured users that their accounts were safe. CEO Tim Cook quickly travelled to China to discuss the importance of security with Chinese officials and plans for Apple Pay’s expansion into the country.

Cook told Chinese news agency Xinhua that the privacy and security talks were “very open,” and seemed satisfied with the results of his conversation with a senior Chinese official. He also hinted at plans to expand the new mobile payment system, Apple Pay, into the country, reported Reuters.

“China is a really key market for us,” Cook said. “Everything we do, we are going to work it here. Apple Pay is on the top of the list.”

Cook did not mention when Apple Pay will arrive in China or which banks will partner with the payment system. Earlier reports from the Chinese media hinted that the card network Unionpay will support Apple Pay.

Based on statements from Visa Europe, it seems likely that the new mobile payment system will hit Europe next. Cook’s statements seem to imply that China may be the third market to support Apple Pay. As the most populous country in the world, China will undoubtedly be one of the most important markets for Apple to tap into if it wants Apple Pay to hit the big time.

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