Apple adds virtual cards linked to Apple Cash in iOS 17.4
iOS 17.4, which is planned for release on March 4, 2024, will have a number of improvements, new features, and facelifts. We’ve reviewed everything major in the previous piece. One of the key changes in the upcoming iteration concerns money: obeying the orders issued by the EU, Apple will allow third parties to add payment methods and stores to the ecosystem, with huge implications. And it seems like this is not the only money-related news about iOS 17.4. Beta testers have reported noticing the feature that lets you issue a virtual card tied to your Apple Cash whenever you need it.
Virtual cards in Wallet
Like most people, you probably call all pieces of plastic designed to pay with “credit cards,” but there are actually debit cards out there, which are basically an outgrowth from your account channeling your money on request. Apple Cash is essentially just that, a debit card.
You can use Apple Cash in a variety of situations, but not outside the Apple Pay ecosystem. And while it may be ubiquitous, it is not omnipresent, so when you, for example, come across an online vendor that opted to not share revenue with the Cupertino company, you’ll still be able to pay there using your money stashed with Apple. To do that, you will issue yourself a virtual card with a number and everything else, linked to your Apple Cash.
This move isn’t as drastic as letting other companies bypass Apple and transact with their customers directly, or even set up an independent store integrated into the operating system. Moreover, it feels like the idea came from the masses, a user request finally realized by the company. Thus, if you see a way to make this or that aspect of iOS or macOS better, shout it out, chances are good that Apple will hear.
And if your phone is truly your wallet and accounting book, consider installing an app that facilitates keeping track of your daily expenses. We have a whole section of those in the Informer catalog, you can browse them here, and/or check out the top programs therefrom listed under this post for your convenience. Don’t forget to also get your copy of Mac Informer, the tool that keeps your software updated and suggests (better) alternatives you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
