Apple's app store in China now accepts payments made using China's UnionPay credit and debit cards, the iPhone maker said on Monday. China UnionPay is the most popular payment card in China and will provide Apple's App Store customers with a simple way to purchase apps. Customers can link their Apple ID with a UnionPay debit or credit card for one-tap purchases.

"China is already our second largest market for app downloads, and now we’re providing users with an incredibly convenient way to purchase their favorite apps with just one-tap," said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services.

As a bankcard network, China UnionPay operates China’s national inter-bank clearing and settlement system, develops the worldwide UnionPay Card acceptance network, promotes the issuance and usage of the UnionPay Card as well as other payment solutions. To date, the total number of UnionPay Cards issued both at home and abroad has exceeded 4.5 billion. The UnionPay network has been extended to all cities and rural areas in China. In addition, China UnionPay has enabled UnionPay Card acceptance in over 140 countries and regions through cooperation with more than 400 institutions around the world.

Until now, China's banking payment system made it difficult for Apple to carry out any kind of online payment. The company relied on a top-up system for its app store in China, with a 50 yuan ($8.16) minimum value.