TLDR:
- Mesh is launching Apple Pay integration for crypto transactions this quarter
- Users can pay with cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, or SOL while merchants receive stablecoins
- The system uses Mesh’s proprietary SmartFunding technology for instant conversion at checkout
- Merchants can accept crypto without building their own infrastructure
- Mesh recently raised $82 million in Series B funding to expand globally
Crypto payments startup Mesh has announced plans to roll out Apple Pay support for cryptocurrency transactions. The new feature will allow shoppers to pay with digital assets while merchants receive payment in stablecoins.
The integration was unveiled during Token2049 in Dubai by Mesh co-founder and CEO Bam Azizi. The system will launch later in the second quarter of 2025.
Mesh’s innovation addresses a key challenge in crypto adoption for everyday payments. The feature converts cryptocurrencies to stablecoins at checkout using the company’s proprietary SmartFunding technology.
This approach means brick-and-mortar retailers and online shops can accept crypto payments without building their own crypto infrastructure. Users simply select Apple Pay at checkout and authenticate with Face ID.
“We believe that as soon as crypto payments are as seamless as fiat payments, nothing is left to stop the mass migration of global commerce onto blockchain rails,” said Azizi during the announcement.
How It Works
The system allows customers to pay with popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or Solana (SOL). Merchants then receive payment in stablecoins like USDC, USDT, or PayPal’s PYUSD.
This arrangement solves what Mesh calls the “last-mile problem” in crypto payments adoption. It aligns the different preferences of consumers who want to spend crypto and merchants who prefer stable currencies.
Merchants with physical retail locations can leverage Apple Pay’s NFC capabilities. This offers customers a frictionless experience both in-store and online.
The technology creates a “plug-and-play” payment option through Apple Pay’s familiar interface. No special equipment or technical knowledge is required from merchants.
Stablecoins have become central to payments in the crypto ecosystem. They offer faster and cheaper alternatives to traditional payment channels.
Major financial companies are taking notice of this trend. Payments giant Stripe is testing stablecoin tools following its acquisition of Bridge, while PayPal has launched its own stablecoin.
Mesh’s Apple Pay integration comes shortly after the company secured $82 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Paradigm with participation from Consensys, QuantumLight Capital, and Yolo Investments.
The funds will help Mesh expand its stablecoin-based payments settlement network globally. The company already has over 300 integrations with major crypto platforms.
These integrations include partnerships with Coinbase, Binance, MetaMask, and Phantom. This broad connectivity ensures wide access across the crypto payments ecosystem.
Mesh positions its service as a solution to what it describes as “crypto’s existential last-mile problem.” The company aims to make spending cryptocurrency as simple as any tap-to-pay fiat transaction.
The demonstration at Token2049 showed the technology working in real-time. Azizi presented the first public demonstration of the new capability during his keynote address at the event.
