Starbucks has updated its iPhone app to include a more streamlined design as well as digital tipping and shake-to-pay features to make the checkout process faster and easier for customers. The update to the app will officially roll out on March 19, 2014 in the U.S., UK and Canada.
The new digital tipping feature allows customers to tip Starbucks baristas via the app in the following denominations: $0.50, $1.00 or $2.00.
Digital tipping was a suggestion made by many customers on MyStarbucksIdea.com, an online community powered by the brand so people can share, vote, discuss and put into action ideas on how to improve the Starbucks experience.
Advertisement
With the shake-to-pay feature, customers can bring the barcode of their Starbucks card to the front of their screen by shaking their mobile device.
“As more and more customers are using their phone to pay, they have asked for a convenient and meaningful way to show their appreciation to our store partners,” said Cliff Burrows, Group President of the U.S., Americas and Teavana at Starbucks. “We’re proud to offer digital tipping as an option through the updated Starbucks App for iPhone to customers in the U.S.”
The new features will support components that have become staples to the Starbucks app experience, such as the store locator, eGift feature and Starbucks card manager.
With more than 10 million active users, more than 11% of all Starbucks transactions are completed through the app. Starbucks has plans to update its Android app in late 2014.
Regarding the update, Adam Brotman, Chief Digital Officer for Starbucks, added: “This update to the Starbucks App for iPhone is an important next step in digital innovation at Starbucks and one of the many ways we’ll expand and improve our digital experience in the months to come.”
