Ola says the integration demonstrates its ongoing commitment to data security and user experience, with the new app to begin rolling out to existing customers in Australia and New Zealand this week.

The app upgrade is scheduled to be implemented on a rolling basis, with Google Pay integration, multi-stop trips and ride scheduling to launch over the coming months.

And Ola says the Apple Pay integration will reduce friction for new customers, who will not need to add a payment method if Apple Pay is already set up on their iOS device.

“The integration with Apple Pay improves security for customers and puts Ola on the front foot with an evolving global payments landscape, such as the strong customer authentication (SCA) requirements coming into effect in the European market on September 14,” ola says in a statement released on Tuesday.

“SCA will ensure that electronic payments are performed with multi-factor authentication to increase security, and Apple Pay meets these requirements.”

Simon Smith, Managing Director of Ola Australia and New Zealand said: “We are proud to be leading the way in the integration of payment technologies that improve security for rideshare users in Australia.”

“The wider app overhaul has been shaped by local customer research and we’re confident these new updates and features will not only create a more user-friendly, frictionless transportation experience, but future-proof our app as we expand our offering and integrate with other services.”

Ola lists key features of the app update as:

-        Destination-led experience

Ola availability, projected cost and pick-up Estimated Time until Arrival (ETA) for both Prime (standard) and SUV (six seat) categories are simultaneously visible in-app, streamlining the selection process

-        Feed

The inbox feature has been replaced by a more dynamic feed, available by swiping up from the bottom of the screen, making communication and offers more accessible

-        Dynamic category ordering

Category selection is now personalised according to customer usage patterns, creating a tailored, individual experience

-        In ride view of route and ETA to destination

Route and ETA to destination will now be shown during the ride, in real time, allowing you to plan travel times more accurately

-        Usual pickup

Regular pickup locations set based on customer usage patterns, streamlining the pick-up experience.