WhatsApp is working on one new section dedicated to payments on iOSa project still in the early stages of development which could represent a step towards extending the service to new markets. At the moment, however, there is no official confirmation from WhatsApp regarding the countries that could be involved or the timing of a possible debut.
The novelty was identified by analyzing the beta version 26.33.10.70 of WhatsApp for iOS. The new screen will allow you to organize various information related to payments. One of the functions provided will allow you to select a contact and indicate the amount to transfer. It will also be possible to store credit and debit cards, so as to speed up subsequent operations.
The configuration of cards will ask for data like expiration date, CVV code and full billing address. A further area will be dedicated to shipping information, with the possibility of saving your email address, telephone number and address. Users will also be able to download or delete stored payment data.
Does WhatsApp extend this function to Italy too?
A particularly interesting element concerns the list of countries available in the billing address section. In addition to the markets already supported, nations such as Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Ghana and the United States. The presence of these countries does not demonstrate that WhatsApp has decided to introduce payments in these markets, but it could indicate that the infrastructure is being designed with a possible international expansion.
Payments are currently only available in some areas. In India, WhatsApp uses UPI, while in Brazil it supports PIX for person-to-person transfers. In Singapore the service is based on collaboration with Stripe and the PayNow system; in Mexico registered companies can receive payments directly in conversations. Each market required specific local authorizations and collaborations.
The recent appointment of Kunal Shah at the helm of WhatsApp also represents an interesting element, considering his experience in the fintech sector as founder of CRED. However, it is not possible to establish a direct connection with the new project. For now, then, the function remains in development and is not yet available for beta testers.
