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 more changes, as iOS 16 beta 3 hints at support for virtual cards in Safari for online shopping.
As the US blog 9to5Mac now reported, iOS 16 beta 3 code reveals that Apple is working on a new system to integrate virtual cards into Safari to improve online shopping security. 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. If your card details become leaked, you can easily have the virtual card number blocked without having to ask your bank for a new card. Some banks also offer the option to generate a one-time-use card number. According to code in the latest iOS 16 beta, Safari will finally support virtual card numbers. Of course, Apple Pay already offers a secure number for every transaction.
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But this new feature is used on websites that do not accept Apple Pay. The description discovered in the code states:
Make this card available in Safari AutoFill and hide your real card number when shopping online. Continue using your card as you normally would. When you shop online, it will now be available in Safari AutoFill with your real card details hidden. For added security, the website will now use a virtual card number and will be available in Safari AutoFill.
At this point, it is unclear whether the feature will be available to everyone or whether it will have to be adopted by banks and card providers. The feature appears to work similarly to the one Google introduced with Android 13. iOS 16 is currently available as beta software for developers via the Apple Developer website. A public beta version will be rolled out later this month while the official version will be released in the fall. (Photo by Unsplash / Martin Sanchez)
