First Data has announced new initiatives with Apple designed to broaden the distribution of First Data's Clover devices and accelerate the expansion and digital transformation of Apple Pay, according to a press release.

First Data's Clover Go device, an EMV and Apple Pay-enabled mobile card reader, will be available in the coming weeks on Apple.com and in Apple retail stores across the U.S.

First Data also announced it now supports Apple Pay transactions at more than 1 million merchant locations in the U.S. In addition to brick-and-mortar merchants, clients accepting payments via app and on the web can now offer Apple Pay to their customers.

First Data will also enable Apple Pay support for loyalty and gift cards through integration with First Data's Clover platform. As a result of the integration, more businesses offering Apple Pay can now benefit from First Data's robust suite of gift and loyalty solutions. Developers and third party loyalty providers can also leverage the Clover platform to facilitate Apple Pay-enabled experiences for Clover merchants.