US federal programs will adopt Apple Pay for mobile payments

The US government is going to accept Apple Pay mobile payments later this year, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook. The mobile payments will be accepted for Social Security Benefits, National Park admission and other similar efforts starting in September.

Apple is working with the US government so procurement cards can be issued to federal workers. Actual Apple Pay use by consumers may be relatively low, but the company has reached deals with more than 2,000 banks across the country to adopt the service.

"Starting in September, Apple Pay will be available for many transactions with the federal government, like for example when you pay for admission to your favorite national park," Cook said during the cybersecurity summit at Stanford University.