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MPoC PCI Upgrade (SDK vs App Switching)

What's changing?

Tyro's current Android Tap to Pay Embedded Payments SDK must move to MPoC PCI by 25 August 2026.

  • Any new merchants onboarded from 26 August 2026 must use one of Tyro's Android MPoC-compliant solutions.
  • Existing merchants live before this date may continue using the current Embedded Payments solution until 31 December 2027 (subject to 6-monthly SDK upgrades and maintenance).

What this means for your business

If you are:

  • Already live with Tyro Embedded Payments SDK, or
  • Currently building against the SDK

You will need to choose an MPoC-compliant migration path before onboarding new merchants after August 2026.

MPoC introduces several benefits beyond compliance, including:

  • Support for dual-screen Android devices
  • Support for larger-format kiosk and countertop Android devices
  • Future alignment with evolving industry SoftPOS standards

Your MPoC Migration Options

Tyro will support two Tap to Pay Android approaches moving forward: the existing Embedded Payments SDK and a new method using app-switching and a Tyro payments application.

High-level comparison: SDK vs App Switching

CriteriaEmbedded Payments SDK (MPoC)Tyro Payments App [NEW] (App Switching)
Integration effortHigherLower
UX controlFull controlLimited (handoff to Tyro app)
User experienceSeamless (no switching)App switching required (UX TBD)
PerformanceOptimisedDependent on app switching
Compliance burdenPartner must complete MPoC certificationNo partner MPoC burden
CostThere is an MPoC certification fee to a third party (once every 3 years) and a PCI listing fee for your POS appNo certification costs
MaintenanceSDK updates every ~6 monthsManaged by Tyro
Device setupStandard (existing model where POS builds authentication and reader creation into their app)App must be installed on device and pairing of POS to Tyro app. Device activation handled in Tyro Payments app
Android versionRequires Android 12 or higherRequires Android 12 or higher

Option 1 - Embedded SDK (MPoC SDK)

Partners who wish to maintain the embedded SDK experience will be able to migrate to Tyro's new MPoC-compliant SDK.

What this involves

  • Updating your integration to Tyro's MPoC SDK (this will be packaged as an updated release of the existing SDK and will be available in June 2026).
  • Requires Android 12 or higher.
  • Obtain MPoC certification for your app:
    • This is processed by our MPoC partner who will undertake the MPoC review and certification of your app (this review ensures the correct implementation of payment flows, similar to the existing Tyro certification process).
    • An MPoC certification fee and PCI listing fee applies to certify your POS app.
    • MPoC solutions are required to be reviewed every 3 years, and a re-certification of your app would be required as part of this.

Tyro guides partners through the MPoC certification process and can assist you with supplying the necessary information for the MPoC assessment. For existing partners, you would need to commence the certification process in July 2026 to enable all approvals by 25 August 2026.

Benefits

  • One app for POS and payments

Considerations

  • Ongoing SDK maintenance and upgrades
  • MPoC compliance and certification costs and obligations remain with the POS provider
  • SDK updates expected approximately every 6 months

Option 2 - Pair to the new Tyro Payments app

Tyro is building a new Android payments application that POS applications can pair with using an app-switching model.

What this involves

Under this approach:

  • Your POS app launches the Tyro payments app when payment is required
  • Tyro handles payment processing and MPoC compliance
  • Your app regains control once payment is complete
  • App switching is fast and not noticeable within the order + pay flow

This model significantly reduces:

  • Integration complexity
  • Compliance overhead
  • Certification effort
  • Long-term SDK maintenance burden

Importantly:

  • POS partners do not need to complete MPoC certification under this model
  • Tyro manages the MPoC-certified payment application directly

Benefits

  • Lower integration effort
  • Reduced operational overhead
  • Faster access to future payment features
  • No MPoC certification burden for partners
  • Better long-term scalability

Considerations

  • The Tyro payments app must be installed on each merchant device
  • Minimum Android 12 is required

We are actively building the new Tyro payment app, which can be paired to your android POS app, enabling app switching. Please reach out to your partner manager if you are interested in participating in the partner pilot program for the new Tyro payment app.