Barclays has become the first UK High Street bank to launch payments using Apple’s virtual assistant Siri.

Bank customers can now make payments using just their voice within the Barclays Mobile Banking app. The Siri integration means users won’t need to open the app to pay existing payees or mobile contacts, they can simply ask Siri such as ‘Pay John £15 with Barclays’.

Payments are authenticated by the user with Apple’s TouchID fingerprint recognition meaning there is no need for customers to remember their passcode.

The technology will enable customers to send money virtually hands free, and aims to make secure banking easier, faster and simpler for all customers, including those with additional needs

Raheel Ahmed, head of customer experience and channels at Barclays commented: “Barclays has a long history of introducing innovative new products and services to give our customers choice in how they bank.

“We recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the world’s first ATM, which was introduced to provide customers with 24/7 access to their money for the first time ever. The introduction of Siri payments to mobile banking customers is another step forward, giving flexibility and greater choice for all our customers.”

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