U.S. coffee chain Dunkin' Donuts today launched free mobile-payment apps for Apple iOS and Google Android devices, in an effort to capitalize on the popularity of mobile payments apps from its rival, Starbucks. I drink my fair share of coffee, most of it from two specific coffee chains: Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. In fact, I have a big ol’ cup of Dunkin’ java next to my keyboard as I write this. One of the few mobile-payments apps I actually use is Starbucks’ mobile coffee card app, which has been available for years. The app is simple to use, and it lets you not only pay for your coffee with your smartphone, but also reload your Starbucks loyalty card and earn rewards, as well as find Starbucks locations near you. Starting today, you can also pay for your Dunkin’ Donuts coffee with a smartphone, thanks to the brand new Dunkin’ Donuts apps for iOS and Android devices. (The app is not compatible with Android tablets, but it should work on the iPad.) The Dunkin’ apps are very similar to the Starbucks apps; you just connect your coffee-cards to your online account and then bring up a QR code that a Dunkin’ cashier then scans for payment. And the interface is good looking and fairly intuitive. You can send digital gift cards via text, e-mail or Facebook. And the app links to nutrition information for menu items on DunkinDonuts.com. The Dunkin’ apps are notable because Starbucks’ app is one of the few mobile-payment apps that consumers have embraced, and if the Dunkin app is similarly well-received, the two coffee-chains could prove to be significant motivators in the acceptance of mobile payments in general. One potential problem: Dunkin’ Donuts locations must have the appropriate scanners and systems to process the digital barcode information. The Starbucks mobile app has been available for quite a while, and I still occasionally find locations that do not have the equipment needed to scan the mobile payment app. The Dunkin’ app is brand new, so I can only assume it will take some time for the company, or each franchise, to roll out the scanners. You can download the free Dunkin’ Donuts iOS apps via iTunes and the Google Play store. AS Related content brandpost Sponsored by Palo Alto Networks Operational technology systems require a robust Zero Trust strategy in 2024 Zero Trust provides a foundation for creating a stronger security posture in 2024. By Navneet Singh, vice president of marketing, network security, Palo Alto Networks Dec 05, 2023 6 mins Security brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM How digital twin technology is changing complex industrial processes forever As the use cases for digital twins proliferate, it is becoming clear that data-driven enterprises with a track record of innovation stand the best chance of success. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM Why modernising applications needs to be a ‘must’ for businesses seeking growth Around one-third of enterprises are spending heavily on application modernisation and aiming for cloud native status. The implications for corporate culture, structure and priorities will be profound. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation opinion 11 ways to reduce your IT costs now Reorienting IT’s budget toward future opportunities is a big reason why CIOs should review their IT portfolios with an eye toward curbing unnecessary spending and realizing maximum value from every IT investment. By Stephanie Overby Dec 05, 2023 11 mins Budget Cloud Management IT Governance Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe