Starbucks debuts two apps for iPhoneStarbucks debuts two apps for iPhone

Lisa Jennings

SEATTLE Starbucks Corp. said it is offering two new free iPhone applications that will help customers find stores and manage their loyalty card accounts — as well as pay for their purchases in some test locations.

The new apps are the first to be offered for the iPhone and iPod touch by the 16,729-unit global coffee chain, though there are several unofficial iPhone apps, such as iApp’s Find a Starbucks Coffee, Snow Storm’s Expresso Pro and ourLivez’s Sbux Card, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

The company’s new official versions, which can be found at www.starbucks.com/mobile-apps, include myStarbucks App, which will allow users to build and share their favorite beverage, find store locations, look up nutrition information about Starbucks products and learn more about the chain’s whole bean coffees.

The second Starbucks Card Mobile App allows users to check their card balance, reload the card with a credit card, and manage the account. For a limited time, Starbucks is offering to add an extra $5 onto cards loaded with $25 or more using Visa.

In 16 stores in Seattle and Northern California, Starbucks said it is testing the ability to use the iPhone or iPod to pay for orders. Using the Starbucks Card Mobile App, the devices display a barcode that can be read at the register. Customers get the same benefits offered to card holders, including free syrup and milk options, free brewed coffee refills, a free tall beverage of choice with the purchase of whole beans and two hours of free Wi-Fi per day.

Starbucks joins Pizza Hut, Chipotle and others in developing apps for the iPhone.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].