Apple Wallet

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Apple Wallet (also known as Wallet for short) is a mobile app included with the iOS operating system that allows users to store digital versions of credit, debit, prepaid cards, store cards, boarding passes, movie tickets, coupons, reward cards, student ID cards, and more in one place. It also allows users to receive and redeem rewards using Apple Pay for compatible devices.

History[edit | edit source]

Apple Wallet was first introduced as Passbook in 2012 with the release of iOS 6. The name was changed to Wallet with the release of iOS 9 in 2015, which also introduced the ability to store credit and debit cards for use with Apple Pay.

Functionality[edit | edit source]

Apple Wallet uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to facilitate contactless payments at point-of-sale terminals. It also supports barcodes and QR codes for cards and passes that do not support NFC.

The app integrates with other apps and websites, allowing users to add passes and tickets directly from them. It also integrates with Apple's Safari web browser, allowing users to add passes from websites.

Security and Privacy[edit | edit source]

Apple Wallet uses a method called tokenization to secure card information. This replaces sensitive card information with unique tokens during transactions, which are processed without revealing the actual card details to the merchant.

Apple also uses biometric authentication methods, such as Touch ID and Face ID, to authenticate transactions. This adds an extra layer of security, as transactions can only be authorized with the user's biometric data.

Compatibility[edit | edit source]

Apple Wallet is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple Watch. However, the ability to make contactless payments is only available on certain models that have NFC capabilities.

See Also[edit | edit source]




Apple Wallet Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD