Apple Pay will launch in the UK in July and will be in use at retailers including Boots and Lidl. Here is how it works and where it will be available.

Apple Pay is launching in the UK next month

Apple Pay is only available on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch because they are the only Apple products that feature NFC technology

• To pay using an iPhone users have to hold it front of a contactless reader and place their finger on the Touch ID button to confirm the payment

• In order to pay using Apple Watch users must double click the side button and then turn the smartwatch so it faces the contactless reader. A gentle beep will confirm the payment

• To set up Apple Pay a user has to open the Apple Watch app, then tap Passbook then Apple Pay, then tap ‘add debit or credit card’

• Cards already on file with iTunes can be added to Apple Pay by entering a security code

• Some banks ask customers to verify with an additional step, which may include entering a verification code sent by email, text message or phone call

• UK banks supporting Apple Pay at launch include First Direct, HSBC, NatWest, Nationwide, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Ulster Bank

• Bank of Scotland, Coutts, Halifax, Lloyds Bank, MBNA, M&S Bank and TSB Bank are expected to support Apple Pay by autumn

• UK credit and debit cards from American Express, MasterCard and Visa Europe are compatible with Apple Watch

• UK retailers to have signed up include Boots, Dune, JD Sports, Liberty, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, New Look, Spar and Waitrose

• Apple Pay can also be used buy good online.Retailers’ apps that will accept it include Argos, Miss Selfridge, Ocado, Topshop, Zalando and Zara

• When paying for goods and services within apps, Apple Pay will also be compatible with the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3.

• Transport for London, which recently started accepting payment from contactless card payments, will also allow consumers to pay using Apple Pay

• More than 250,000 locations in the UK will accept Apple Pay at launch