Did you know your iPhone can be a complete point-of-sale (POS) system? By downloading a POS app and connecting a card reader, you can start accepting credit card payments from your phone. Many top-notch mobile POS solutions are free and even provide a complimentary card reader, allowing you to process payments immediately. Whether you’re launching a new business or looking for a seamless omnichannel solution for in-person and online sales, we’ve identified the best 6 point-of-sale for iPhone options to meet your needs.

But these systems offer more than just payment processing. They come equipped with features like inventory management, loyalty programs, and menu planning, which are especially valuable for food service businesses.

6 Best Point-of-Sale Systems for iPhone in 2024

1. SwipeSimple

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If your business requires taking payments on-site, SwipeSimple enables you to accept magnetic stripe cards, EMV chip cards, and cash transactions using an iPhone or iPad. Its mobile POS for iPhone provides useful tools for many types of businesses. In addition to payment processing, you can issue refunds, void transactions, customize receipts, and manage inventory.

SwipeSimple also provides Bluetooth-enabled card readers that connect easily to iPhones, allowing you to accept EMV chips, magnetic stripes, and contactless payments such as Apple Pay.

Key Features of SwipeSimple

• Credit Card Acceptance: Process credit card payments on the go using your iPhone. When paired with a compatible card reader, it supports swipe, dip, and contactless transactions.
• Cash Sales Recording: Keep track of cash transactions alongside card payments, ensuring comprehensive sales records.
• Automatic Tax Calculation: Configure tax rates within the app to automatically apply the correct tax to each sale, simplifying compliance.
• Tip and Signature Prompts: Customize tip percentages and enable signature prompts to enhance customer interaction during the payment process.
• Inventory Management: Manage your inventory by uploading existing lists or adding items manually through the app, helping you monitor stock levels and sales performance.
• Real-Time Reporting: Access transaction details and sales reports in real-time, providing insights into business performance and aiding in decision-making.

Pricing of SwipeSimple

SwipeSimple’s services are available through a network of resellers, including merchant service providers and financial institutions. As a result, the software fees vary based on the reseller. For example, M&T Bank offers SwipeSimple for $9.95 per month, a flat rate of 2.90% of the payment amount, and $0.30 per transaction.

A compatible card reader is necessary to accept payments using an iPhone. SwipeSimple provides two Bluetooth-enabled card readers: the B200 Reader, which supports EMV chip and magnetic stripe transactions and costs $105 with shipping included, and the B250 Reader, which supports EMV chip, magnetic stripe and contactless tap-to-pay transactions and is priced at $125 with shipping included.

2. CloverGo

CloverGo App

Clover Go is a mobile POS for iPhone system that allows businesses to accept payments seamlessly through an iPhone. With this point-of-sale for iPhone, merchants can process a variety of payment types, including credit and debit cards and contactless options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The iPhone POS apps include itemized order creation, tipping options, and digital receipts, ensuring smooth and efficient transaction management.

One standout feature, “Tap to Pay on iPhone,” enables merchants to accept contactless payments directly on their iPhones without additional hardware. This feature is compatible with iPhone XS and newer iOS 16 or later models. Additionally, the app provides tools for real-time sales tracking, inventory management, and employee performance monitoring. It is a robust and flexible solution for businesses looking for mobile payment processing capabilities.

Key Features of CloverGo

• Contactless Payment Acceptance: Utilize Tap to Pay on iPhone to accept contactless payments directly through your iPhone, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
• Comprehensive Payment Methods: Accept various payment types, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, offering flexibility to customers.
• Inventory Management: Manage inventory by adding, editing, or deleting items directly within the app, facilitating efficient stock control.
• Real-Time Reporting: Access detailed sales reports and tax information in real-time, aiding in business performance analysis.
• Employee Management: Create and manage employee profiles, set permissions, and monitor performance, streamlining staff oversight.

Pricing of CloverGo

The entry-level Payments software plan is included in the monthly service fee for the first device, with each additional device costing $11.95 per month. The Clover Go card reader is available for $112 for those needing separate hardware. Transaction fees vary based on the payment method: for in-person transactions (card present), the fee is 2.6% plus $0.15 per transaction, while online or keyed-in transactions (card not present) incur a fee of 3.4% plus $0.15 per transaction.

3. Host Merchant Services

Host Merchant Services provides HMSPay, a mobile payment tool for iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini users. The iPhone point-of-sale is straightforward to use, secure, and cost-effective. With HMSPay, businesses can process payments on the go by attaching a mobile swiper to their iOS device, downloading the app, and entering their account details. This setup lets merchants handle payments from almost anywhere.

HMSPay prioritizes security by encrypting all transaction data and meeting PCI-DSS standards required by Visa and MasterCard. Unlike many other payment processors, HMSPay does not charge extra fees or higher rates for mobile transactions.

Key Features of HMSPay

• Simple Setup and Use: HMSPay is designed for ease of use. Setup is quick, and the interface is straightforward, so you can start processing payments with minimal training. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini devices, HMSPay enables merchants to handle transactions efficiently.
• Secure Transactions with PCI Compliance: HMSPay protects your business and customer data with advanced encryption protocols and PCI-compliant security features.
• Cost-Plus Pricing Model: HMSPay operates with a transparent cost-plus pricing model that doesn’t include monthly service fees, making it an attractive option for small businesses or those just starting out. You only pay transaction fees as you process payments.
• Cloud-Based Backup: All transaction data and sales reports are securely stored in the cloud. This ensures that your records are backed up and can be accessed from any device at any time, protecting your business against data loss.
• Inventory Management: Manage and update your product catalog directly through the app. Add or modify items, adjust quantities, and set prices, making it easier to keep track of inventory in real time.

Pricing of HMSPay

HMSPay is a user-friendly mobile POS for iPhone designed with affordability in mind. Host Merchant Services employs an Interchange Plus Pricing model, offering transparent monthly statements outlining payment processing costs. A compatible card reader is necessary to process payments via an iPhone. Host Merchant Services provides mobile swiper devices that connect to iPhones, enabling merchants to accept card payments.

Notably, 98% of Host Merchant Services merchants qualify for complimentary credit card terminals or processing equipment. Contact Host Merchant Services directly to determine eligibility for hardware with zero investment.

4. Square POS

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Square is one of the top choices for the best iPhone POS system. Its software is free and offers a nearly comprehensive solution. It includes user-friendly inventory management with low-stock alerts, basic customer relationship management tools, and detailed sales reporting. Square stands out for its consistent pricing and absence of monthly fees, which appeals to small business owners. You pay a small fee for each transaction.

To start with Square on your iPhone, download the app and connect the reader. Then, you can begin processing payments wherever you are. The system is also compatible with iPads, offering additional sales options. You can monitor sales as they happen and manage inventory with a few taps. Square’s streamlined interface also makes printing or sending receipts via email quick.

Key Features of Square POS

• Free Square Reader: Each Square account includes a free Square Reader for accepting card payments through smartphones or tablets, allowing businesses to process transactions easily.
• Fraud Protection: Square provides advanced security measures, such as encryption and transaction monitoring, to prevent fraudulent activities and protect business and customer data.
• Dispute Management: The platform offers tools to manage payment disputes, enabling businesses to access transaction details, submit documentation, and resolve issues efficiently.
• User-Friendly Setup: The Square iPhone POS app is easy to use and features a straightforward setup process, allowing businesses to start managing payments and operations quickly.
• Customizable Payment Solutions: Square offers customizable payment options, allowing businesses to set up recurring billing, variable pricing, or tip features to tailor payment processing to their needs.

Pricing of Square POS

Square charges a flat-rate fee for each transaction: 2.6% plus $0.10 for in-person transactions, 2.9% plus $0.30 for online transactions, and 3.5% plus $0.15 for manually keyed entries. Optional Square features allow for additional functionality. Digital gift cards are free to create, with only transaction fees applied, while physical gift cards start at $40 per pack.

The loyalty program begins at $45 per month, and customers can redeem points in person or through the Square Online store. For businesses with multiple employees, Square offers a team management app, available in free and paid versions, that includes time tracking and labor cost reporting.

5. Lightspeed POS

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Lightspeed provides two iPhone POS software options tailored for different industries: one for retail and another for restaurants. The retail version stands out for its comprehensive inventory management features. It supports bulk product and SKU imports, low-stock alerts, and integrated purchase order creation. The platform also includes a vendor network catalog, simplifying restocking and enabling easy reordering directly through the system when inventory levels drop below a set threshold.

Setting up Lightspeed on an iPhone is straightforward. You install the app and pair it with card readers capable of processing EMV chip payments for Visa and Mastercard, ensuring secure transactions. Additionally, Lightspeed integrates with other tools like QuickBooks, helping streamline business operations.

Key Features of Lightspeed POS

• Scalability: Designed to accommodate business growth, Lightspeed POS can manage multiple retail locations, providing a unified system that scales with your expanding operations.
• Personalized Workflows: The system allows employees to customize workflows, enabling them to tailor their tasks and processes to individual preferences, which can improve efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Real-Time Insights and Customizable Reports: Lightspeed POS provides real-time sales and team performance data. Users can generate customizable reports to analyze various aspects of the business, facilitating informed decision-making and operational refinement.
• Multi-Location Management: The platform enables centralized management of multiple retail locations from a single POS system. This feature simplifies inventory tracking, sales monitoring, and overall store management across different sites.
• Comprehensive Inventory Management: Lightspeed POS offers robust inventory management tools, including real-time stock tracking, automated reordering, and the ability to manage product variants and bundles, ensuring efficient inventory control.

Pricing of Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed’s iPhone POS software ranges from $69 to $199 per month when billed annually, making it more expensive than many competitors. However, its extensive and detailed features make it a good value for retailers with complex needs. The software includes built-in payment processing with competitive rates with some of the best POS systems available. Larger businesses with high sales volumes may qualify for reduced rates, with standard fees being 2.6% plus $0.10 for in-person transactions and 2.6% plus $0.30 for manual key entries.

Rather than offering traditional add-ons, Lightspeed provides upgrades to higher-tier plans. For example, selling both in person and online requires the mid-tier plan, while access to the loyalty program is included only in the highest-priced plan. Additionally, Lightspeed supports integrations with third-party apps, allowing users to expand functionality as needed.

6. TouchBistro

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TouchBistro is a mobile POS for iPhone specifically designed for restaurants. It offers tools to streamline operations such as inventory tracking, table management, and menu organization. Unlike general-purpose POS systems, TouchBistro is tailored to the food service industry. It allows you to track inventory to the ingredient level, log recipes, and manage portion sizes. Core features available in every plan include tableside ordering, floor and table layout management, and menu customization.

With TouchBistro, you can use an iPhone or iPad to take orders and process payments directly at the table, speeding up service and improving table turnover. Additional features, such as marketing tools, gift card support, a loyalty program, reservation management, and online ordering, can be added to enhance the system’s functionality further.

Key Features of TouchBistro

• Floor Planning and Table Management: TouchBistro provides customizable floor plans for organizing tables and assigning sections to staff, allowing real-time monitoring of table statuses and optimizing seating arrangements.
• Order Management: It handles dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders in one system, ensuring consistent order processing and better service management.
• Upsell Support: TouchBistro includes built-in upsell prompts, helping servers suggest modifiers and high-margin items during the ordering process to increase revenue.
• Reports and Analytics: The platform offers 50+ reports, delivering insights on sales, staff performance, and operations. These reports enable data-driven decisions to improve business efficiency.
• Tableside Ordering: Using iPads, servers can take orders directly at the table, reducing errors, speeding up service, and enhancing customer interaction.

Pricing of TouchBistro

TouchBistro’s base cost is $69 per month, which is higher than the price of many general POS systems but in line with those designed specifically for restaurants. The system offers various add-ons to enhance its functionality, including features like gift cards, marketing tools, online ordering, reservations, and a loyalty program. Pricing for these add-ons includes $25 per month for gift cards, $50 per month for online ordering, $99 per month for the loyalty program and marketing tools, and $229 for reservations.

The mobile POS for iPhone includes built-in payment processing through Chase, but specific rates are not disclosed. Like other third-party merchant service providers, businesses must request a custom quote to determine exact fees.

What Is an iPhone POS System?

An iPhone POS (Point-of-Sale) system is a portable payment solution that operates on an iPhone through a mobile app or a web-based interface. Businesses can enhance this setup with optional hardware like card readers or receipt printers, which connect via the charging port or Bluetooth and facilitate transaction processing from various locations.

A mobile POS for iPhone simplifies payment acceptance, operating anywhere with an internet connection. It often employs cloud technology, allowing for offline data storage that updates once reconnected online. Additionally, these systems frequently offer features like inventory and customer relationship management and tools to generate promotions and coupons.

iPhone POS systems are well-suited for businesses that require mobile payment processing. For example, in restaurants, servers can handle payments at the table, allowing customers to keep their credit cards within sight. In retail environments, sales associates can process purchases throughout the store, improving the shopping experience for customers.

These systems benefit businesses operating in multiple or temporary venues, like pop-up stores, farmers markets, and trade shows. Cloud-based iPhone POS systems enable vendors to easily accept payments on their devices, facilitating effective sales management while mobile.

How Do iPhone POS Systems Work?

An iPhone POS system is the primary means for processing sales in a business. It uses a mix of software and sometimes additional hardware to manage sales data and produce receipts.

The operation starts by capturing payment information through credit cards, digital wallets, or gift cards. After the payment is confirmed, the transaction concludes, and the inventory is immediately updated to show the items sold automatically or manually within the app.

The POS system works with an integrated or an external payment processor to authorize and complete the transaction. The funds are usually deposited into the business’s bank account, with the timeframe for this transfer varying from a few days to a week, depending on the POS provider.

How To Choose an iPhone POS System?

Consider the following factors when choosing an iPhone POS system for your business:

• Per-Transaction Cost: These systems typically charge a fee for each transaction, often a percentage of the sale plus a fixed fee. For instance, Square’s fees are usually 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. Monitoring these fees is crucial since they affect your bottom line. Preferably, opt for lower fees, particularly if your business handles many transactions.
• Monthly Cost: Evaluate the monthly fees, as they differ widely. While some iPhone POS systems are free, others may cost several hundred dollars monthly. Ensure the cost fits within your budget while still meeting your needs.
• Required Hardware: Additional hardware, such as card readers, may be necessary. Some systems include basic hardware at no extra cost, while others may require purchases or leases. Assess each option’s hardware requirements and costs to ensure it fits your setup.
• Transfer Timeframes: The delay between a transaction’s processing and the fund’s deposit into your account can vary, typically from one to seven business days. Select a system that offers transfer times that are compatible with your financial planning. Quicker access to funds is advantageous for businesses needing immediate liquidity.
• Ease of Use: A straightforward system can decrease training time and minimize errors, enhancing your team’s efficiency. While more complex systems offer extensive features, a simpler system may suit teams with limited POS usage experience.
• Comprehensive Functionality: Evaluate the POS system’s features, including inventory management, employee tracking, sales analytics, and customization options. Identify and select a system with the functionalities most relevant to your business needs.
• Customer Support: Effective customer support is vital for resolving operational issues. Choose a system that offers phone support for immediate help and consider other support avenues like live chat, help centers, or forums. Ensure support is available during your business hours, including weekends or holidays, if necessary.

Benefits of Using an iPhone POS for Small Businesses

Implementing an iPhone-based point-of-sale (POS) system offers several advantages for small businesses:

• Cost-Effectiveness

Traditional POS systems often require significant investment in hardware and maintenance. In contrast, iPhone POS systems utilize existing devices, reducing the need for additional equipment purchases. This approach lowers initial setup costs and ongoing expenses, making it a budget-friendly option for small enterprises.

• Mobility and Flexibility

iPhone POS systems enable transactions from various locations within a store or even off-site. This mobility is particularly beneficial for businesses that operate in dynamic environments, such as food trucks or pop-up shops, allowing them to serve customers efficiently without being confined to a fixed checkout area.

• User-Friendly Interface

iPhones are known for their intuitive design and ease of use. Leveraging this familiarity, staff can quickly adopt iPhone POS applications, reducing training time and minimizing errors during transactions. This user-friendly interface enhances the overall efficiency of business operations.

• Integration with Existing Systems

Many iPhone POS solutions seamlessly integrate with other business tools, such as inventory management, accounting software, and customer relationship management systems. This integration streamlines operations by centralizing data, facilitating better decision-making, and improving overall business management.

• Enhanced Customer Experience

The portability of an iPhone POS allows staff to engage with customers directly on the sales floor, providing personalized service and reducing wait times. This direct interaction can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, as employees can promptly address inquiries and process transactions.

• Regular Updates and Support

iPhone POS apps often receive regular updates, ensuring businesses can access the latest features and security enhancements. This ongoing support helps maintain system reliability and protects against potential security threats, contributing to the smooth operation of business activities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right iPhone POS system can transform your business operations by providing cost-effective, mobile, and user-friendly solutions for processing payments and managing essential functions like inventory and customer data. With options ranging from the straightforward capabilities of SwipeSimple and HMSPay to the comprehensive features of Square POS and Lightspeed, there’s a system tailored to your specific business needs.

When selecting an iPhone point-of-sale, consider key factors such as transaction fees, monthly costs, hardware requirements, and the range of features offered. The right choice will streamline payment processing and enhance customer service and operational efficiency. Whether you’re a small retailer, a food truck operator, or a pop-up shop vendor, an iPhone POS system offers the flexibility and functionality to support your business effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions