ShopKeep, the cloud-based small business technology provider, earlier this week released its new Apple Pay and chip card reader, according to a press release. This reader allows merchants to accept Apple Pay along with traditional magnetic swipe credit card payments; chip card capabilities will be available next year well ahead of October's liability transition deadline.

The device, powered by Ingenico Mobile Solutions, connects to the ShopKeep register app via Bluetooth. It retails for $249, and for a limited time, new customers will receive a free reader upon signing up for a ShopKeep account, according to the announcement.

"We are seeing strong demand for Apple Pay acceptance among small businesses, and ShopKeep is a popular POS option in that category," said Greg Burch, VP of mobility, business development and ISV relationships at Ingenico Group. "We're very pleased that ShopKeep selected Ingenico Mobile Solutions as the provider for its new mobile payment solution to accept Apple Pay and any other type of electronic payment."

"ShopKeep's goal is to provide local business owners with the latest tools and technology so they can run smarter businesses and stay competitive with their larger counterparts," said Norm Merritt, ShopKeep president and co-CEO. "That's why we're excited to partner with Ingenico Mobile Solutions and be one of the first point of sale systems to offer Apple Pay, with chip card acceptance soon to follow."