How will they actually accept the payment though? Apple Pay requires Touch ID (or Apple Watch), which is the consumer's device.
Does that mean there will be an API for 3rd party developers to ACCEPT Apple Pay over the air? Or do they have to build a special Card Reader? Or would they have to bring back an Apple Pay supported Square Wallet app?
I believe apple pay is just using same nfc infrastructure already in place for a while. The same infrastructure google wallet and others are targeting.
I imagine they would have to have a new device for chip/pin chip/signature anyway. My guess is they are just adding NFC to the new device while they are at it.