Apple Cash adds virtual card support in iOS 17.4 beta،
Not long ago, Apple rolled out the iOS 17.4 update to beta testers, revealing preparations for app sideloading and alternative browser engines in the EU. However, the update also brings a notable change for Apple Cash users.
As shown on Reddit and noted by 9to5MacApple Cash users on iOS 17.4 beta can now create virtual card numbers for online purchases where Apple Pay is not accepted.
Image credit–simpledsp/Reddit
In the iOS 17.4 beta, Apple Card customers receive a message saying “Set up virtual card number.” The message highlights improved security, ensuring your card information remains safe “with a new security code for every transaction.”
Apple Cash, a prepaid debit card, has been limited to use only with Apple Pay, with no visible card number. Users can use funds from an Apple Cash card for different purposes, such as sending money to friends and family, transferring them to a bank, or applying them to an Apple Card balance.
If you choose to configure your Apple Cash virtual card number, you have access to features such as displaying the card number, generating new card numbers, security codes, and more. This feature mirrors what has been available for the Apple Card credit card since its launch.
For now, it appears that the virtual card feature is available to Apple Card users participating in the beta. Whether it will be made more widely available upon the official release of iOS 17.4 or reserved for a formal feature launch in the future remains uncertain.
Apple recently announced that its U.S.-exclusive Apple Card has surpassed 12 million customers. To attract more users, Apple increased the interest rate on savings accounts to 4.5%.
