Apple may help you ditch your physical credit cards with this new Wallet feature on iOS 26
Apple may help you ditch your physical credit cards with this new Wallet feature on iOS 26
Just like every big update, iOS 26 has various small new features that may go unnoticed but are worth every bit of attention. One such feature is Apple Wallet’s new ability to store more details about all credit and debit cards you have.
You can now save the full credit card details inside the Wallet app
With Wallet on iOS 26 you can store all details about your physical cards alongside their digital versions that you have inside the app. That way, you will be able to access the card number, expiry date, and other details even when the physical card isn’t with you.Previously, Apple didn’t have an option to store the full physical card details for the debit and credit cards added to Wallet. The only exception was Apple Card, which had the full details inside the app.
That update is quite simple, but it makes the Wallet app a more complete replacement for yourphysical wallet. That’s a feature other apps, like 1Password, have had for quite some time.
You need to add the data manually
Apple Wallet doesn’t automatically store the full details about your cards, so you’ll need to add them yourself. You can do that easily in a few quick steps:
Open Wallet, and tap on one of your cards
Tap the ‘123’ button on the upper right corner, and authenticate with FaceID or a passcode
Tap “Add Physical Card information”
Scan your card, or fill in the details you want to save manually
Tap Done
You can store the card number, expiration date, security code, the name on the card, and add a description. All details, except the number, are optional, so you can choose what exactly to get stored. That’s also useful for cards with dynamic security codes.
Apple clarifies that the saved data is encrypted and stored in your iCloud Keychain, and is accessible only to you. The information isn’t used for Apple Pay transactions.
Another app bites the dust
I think saving credit card details was the last reason for many people to stay with 1Password instead of switching to Apple’s own Passwords app. That would make 1Password another addition to the growing list of utility apps that Apple turned into features of its operating systems, and I don’t mind. I’ve already added the details of my cards, and I am sure I’ll use that feature a lot.
"Iconic Phones" is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! "Iconic Phones" is a beautifully illustrated book that we've been working on for over a year - and it's coming out in just a couple short month!
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a must-have coffee table book for every phone lover out there. Covering the stories of more than 20 fan-favorite phones, it takes you on a memorable journey through the technological revolution that shaped our lives. Sign up now to secure an early discount price!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
