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The latest developer beta from iOS 16 contains references to unannounced support for virtual cards, a security feature used by banks to protect users’ real credit card information.
A potentially important new feature has been discovered in the code for the newly released third iOS 16 developer beta. While not announced or previously rumored, it looks like Apple may add support for so-called virtual cards.
Virtual cards are a security measure used by banks and credit card companies. Using this measure, a credit card holder is given an additional card number that acts as an alias for the real one.
Usually a virtual card only works for a limited number of transactions. They will also have a relatively short lifespan, often not being useful for more than a year.
apple card already hides a user’s real number, but the beta code discovered in iOS 16 suggests an extension of this idea. It means that Safari will be able to provide a virtual card for sites that do not accept the regular Apple Card or Apple Pay†
“Make this card available in Safari AutoFill and hide your real card number when shopping online,” reads a reference in the code. “Keep using your card as usual. When you shop online, it is now available in Safari AutoFill with your real card details hidden.”
Then there’s this: “For added security, the website now uses a virtual card number and is available in Safari AutoFill.”
Including code like this isn’t proof that the feature will launch when iOS 16 ships. However, its presence in beta means that it is at least being tested.
Support for virtual cards follows Apple’s increasing strides in the financial sector. While it has had Apple Pay for a long time and has added Apple Card in recent years, the company announced a Buy now, pay later service at WWDC 2022.