Starbucks launches Android app

As Peach Report reported, Starbucks launched its app for Apple devices into the UK late last year. Features include access to its My Rewards scheme as well as usual options like a store locator. Customers can link the app up to their Starbucks Card and top up their balance as well as paying via PayPal.

The Android app has been available in the US for some time. Adam Brotman, chief digital officer at Starbucks, said: “The expansion of our mobile payment footprint… is a strong milestone for us, but more importantly it extends the number of customers who now have a faster and easier way to pay at Starbucks. We are thrilled to extend mobile payment capabilities to Android smartphones in the UK.”

The development is another step away from cash and cards towards mobile-based payment on the high street in the UK. Starbucks estimates that up to a third of its customers now pay via their Starbucks card, whether in physical form or via its app, saving time on purchases as well as avoiding the need to carry spare cash.

Starbucks’ move onto Android is more evidence of the growing importance of the platform to operators and marketing teams here. Apple has led the market in apps for several years, but Android is fast catching up in terms of popularity.