Apple Pay Users Get Enhanced Security with Introduction of Virtual Card Numbers

Apple's latest iOS 17.4 beta introduces a pretty significant upgrade for Apple Cash users, enabling the generation of virtual card numbers. First highlighted by 9to5Mac and discussed by users on Reddit, the new feature removes a significant barrier by facilitating payments in places where Apple Pay is not accepted.

Users can generate a virtual card number to make payments where Apple Pay is not accepted
This feature appears in the beta version, although it may not be available to all testers yet. To find out if you are among the eligible users, you can simply visit the Wallet app, select your Apple Cash card and find the option to create a virtual card number. The process is straightforward, involving only two steps.

Once set up, users can access their virtual card details, including card number, expiry date and security code, by navigating through the app's menu. It's worth noting that Apple Cash will maintain a separate card number for Apple Pay transactions, which is accessible through an additional step in the app.

Updates like this greatly enhance the usefulness of Apple Cash. Think about it – despite the widespread adoption of Apple Pay, there are still many outlets where it is not an option. Now, with the ability to use a virtual card number, Apple Cash has become even more versatile, allowing users to bypass the inconvenience and fees associated with transferring funds to a bank account for non-Apple Pay purchases.