Samsung Pay isn't coming to the UK until 2017

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Samsung announced that it would bring Samsung Pay to the UK this year, but it now looks like the launch will be pushed back to sometime next year. According to The Telegraph, the delay is due to ongoing negotiations between Samsung and local banks.

A Samsung spokesperson revealed to the publication that the service will debut next year:

Following successful launches of Samsung Pay around the world, we are planning to launch the service in the UK in 2017.

Android Pay is already available in the UK, but Samsung Pay also works with MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), making the service compatible with regular magnetic readers. However, unlike the US, where a majority of POS machines rely on magnetic readers, the UK has transitioned to newer chip-based systems that support contactless payments several years ago. Even if MST isn't as widely used in the country, Samsung's regular promotions could make Samsung Pay an enticing option.

Harish Jonnalagadda
Harish Jonnalagadda
Senior Editor - Asia

Harish Jonnalagadda is Android Central's Senior Editor of Asia. In his current role, he oversees the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, networking products, and AV gear. He has been testing phones for over a decade, and has extensive experience in mobile hardware and the global semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.