Apple Wallet’s getting improved in such a substantial way, so much so that it’s getting very close to replacing your actual wallet. During its WWDC 2021 event, Apple announced the biggest updates to Wallet for deeper integrations throughout all aspects of our lives.
The digital wallet is very close to reality with the upcoming update of Apple Wallet with the release of iOS 15. Apple Pay has always been a strong feature of the Wallet app, but it goes beyond just paying for goods and services.
First of all, you’ll soon have the ability to use your iPhone to unlock smart locks at home. This may not be a novel idea, as smart locks have always provided users hands-free experiences for locking and unlocking. However, iOS 15 will provide iPhone owners the ability to simply use Apple Wallet to access smart locks — all conveniently in one place, instead of having to rely on a third-party app.
Secondly, Apple Wallet will act as your digital key for accessing hotel rooms and your car. With this integration, it means one less thing you need to carry along with you — or worse yet, lose or misplace. Even though other implementations have been around to achieve this, its integration with the Wallet app should make for a more simplified, straightforward process.
And lastly, you’ll soon be able to add your government-issued identification card to the Wallet app, but it’ll vary from state to state. This is without a doubt the biggest, most ambitious feature to come to Apple Wallet since the availability of Apple Pay. Just think of it, your driver’s license can be stored in your iPhone. All of these new features with Apple Wallet in iOS 15 means that your iPhone will be more connected to your daily life than ever before.
It’s all exciting news coming out of WWDC 2021, but Apple Wallet’s going to become more crucial than ever before. If you’re worried about losing your iPhone and having your information stolen, identity cards stored in Wallet are encrypted in the Secure Element, which is the same exact hardware technology used by Apple Pay to make it private and secure. It’s a long time coming, but there may be a day when the only wallet you need to carry on you is just an iPhone. We’re getting close to that reality.
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