The latest developer beta of iOS 16 includes references to an unannounced support for virtual cards, a security feature used by banks to protect users’ real credit card details.
iOS 16 brings some new features to Apple Pay, such as a payment API for CarPlay apps, order tracking in the Wallet app, and even Apple Pay Later. However, it seems that Apple has been working on some other changes as iOS 16 beta 3 hints at support for virtual cards in Safari for online shopping.
As seen by 9to5Mac in the internal code of iOS 16 beta 3, released on Wednesday for developers, Apple has been working on a new system to integrate virtual cards with Safari in order to improve security when shopping online.
For those unfamiliar, virtual cards are offered by some banks and card providers as an option to generate an alternative number for your credit or debit card. This way, if your card data gets leaked, you can simply cancel the virtual card number without having to ask your bank for a new card. Some banks also offer the option to generate a one-time use card number.
Based on code seen in the latest iOS 16 beta, Safari will finally provide support for virtual card numbers. Of course, Apple Pay already provides a secure number for each transaction, but this new feature comes into action on websites where Apple Pay is not accepted.
Banking 4.0 – „how was the experience for you”
„So many people are coming here to Bucharest, people that I see and interact on linkedin and now I get the change to meet them in person. It was like being to the Football World Cup but this was the World Cup on linkedin in payments and open banking.”
Many more interesting quotes in the video below:
