Apple brings Alibaba-linked payment system into China stores amid market push

An Apple Inc. iPhone X stands on display at an Apple store during its launch in Hong Kong, China, on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Long lines formed outside Apple stores around the world, a sign of strong demand from consumers waiting for the company's 10th anniversary iPhone X. Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

BEIJING/SHANGHAI: Apple Inc will accept Chinese mobile payment app Alipay in its local stores, boosting its ties with giant e-commerce firm Alibaba Group Holding Ltd amid a push by the iPhone maker to revive growth in the world's No.2 economy. 

The tie-up will make Alipay, run by Alibaba affiliate Ant Financial, the first third-party mobile payment system to be accepted at any physical Apple store worldwide, Ant Financial said in a statement on Wednesday. Apple's own payment system has had a lukewarm reception in China.