Apple Pay is due to launch in China on 18 February, its fifth market after the US, UK, Canada and Australia, according to Tech in Asia.

The news is not a surprise since Apple previously said a launch was planned for “early 2016”. But it appears to have gained an edge over rival Samsung Pay which announced an intention to launch in China at the same time but has yet to follow through.

Both Apple and Samsung are partnering with China Unionpay, the country’s largest card payment network, which gives them exposure to hundreds of millions of potential customers.

By comparison, Apple Pay in Canada and Australia is only available to American Express cardholders, a more limiting demographic.

News of the 18 February launch date was accidentally released by the public WeChat account for China Guangfa Bank credit cards. Apple has not confirmed the date.