How Good Is Apple Watch’s Wallet App & Can It Replace The Real Thing?
Apple’s upcoming watchOS 8 will let an Apple Watch’s Wallet app store state IDs and driver’s licenses, reducing the need to carry a physical wallet.
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Apple’s Wallet app can be found on several of its devices, but the Apple Watch provides the easiest access since it is literally strapped to the wrist and difficult to forget or lose track of. Some may be wondering just how good Apple’s Wallet app is and how much can be done when using only an Apple Watch? While using the Wallet app for payment at retail stores might be well known, it can also display store loyalty cards, student identification, transit passes, with more coming later this year when the iOS 15 and watchOS 8 updates are released.
The Apple Watch is somewhat unique among Apple’s mobile devices in that it is a wearable, meaning the device is physically touching the user and travels with them throughout the day. This personal connection to the wearer makes it even more secure than an iPhone which may drop from a pocket or be left in a bag. Since an Apple Watch is strapped to the wrist it can’t be lost. A device that was initially promoted as a fashion accessory later became a health monitor and seems to be well on the way to a wallet replacement and universal key to unlock a Mac computer, an iPhone, and more.
Yahoo Finance’s Technology Editor Daniel Howley described an interview with Apple’s Vice President of Technology Kevin Lynch in which the groundwork was being laid for the Apple Wallet to potentially replace the physical wallet, as well as car keys. At present, the Apple Wallet has a very robust payment capability, using Apple Pay and the NFC technology at retail locations to enable contactless payment using a variety of credit, debit, and store cards that are compatible with the service. The Apple Watch can also display store loyalty cards so shoppers collect rewards and discounts just as they would when using the physical card, without the hassle of digging through an old-fashioned wallet to find the right card. With an iPhone or Apple Watch, it’s as easy as double-clicking the side-button and scrolling through the collection of cards and passes. The Apple Wallet already stores some student identification cards, but this functionality will be greatly expanded, allowing state driver’s licenses and IDs to be accessed in the same way.
Apple Watch State IDs & Car Keys
With iOS 15 and watchOS 8, the Apple Wallet will be able to store state driver’s licenses and IDs and present these to TSA officials when traveling and, eventually, it seems likely that this digital form will become an accepted type of identification in most regions throughout the United States. How long it will take for every state to accept a driver’s license and ID via the Apple Wallet can’t be known for certain, however, it might be similar to the wait for digital proof of insurance, which was first accepted in Idaho in 2012. Acceptance climbed to 24 states in 2013 and at present, only New Mexico and Connecticut are still requiring a paper document. Proof of vaccination can be stored in the Apple Wallet for some states showing that this trend is growing quickly. The article also mentioned replacing car keys with an Apple Watch and Apple’s Car Key is already available to unlock vehicles, however, the list of compatible automobiles is still quite limited, only supported on 2021 BMW vehicles. With HomeKit accessories, an iPhone or Apple Watch can also unlock doors to houses, garages, and businesses. The Apple Watch can also unlock devices, such as an iPhone and a Mac computer, meaning it is on the way to becoming a universal key.
More secure than a credit card, since no personal information or card numbers are sent to the merchant, an Apple Watch is also difficult to lose, since it’s worn on the wrist and the water resistance means there is no need for removal even when washing hands. There are only three limitations that prevent the complete replacement of both wallet and keys. Firstly, some of the features discussed are still being implemented by the consumer marketplace and government, so compatibility varies and requires the user to do some research. Secondly, iOS 15 and watchOS 8 are only available in beta form right now and the general release isn’t expected until September. Finally, the battery life of an Apple Watch, about a day when charged overnight, means it is safer to keep at least a minimal wallet on hand, as well as car keys. The Apple Watch is already massively successful, being the most popular smartwatch in the world, and the enhanced abilities coming to the Wallet app make it even more appealing, possibly reducing, if not replacing, the need for a physical wallet in the near future.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/apple-watch-wallet-replace-real-wallet-id-keys-how-explained/