Apple’s iOS 26 update, arriving in fall 2025, will introduce significant innovations in digital payments, wallets, and identity. For users of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, the future looks faster, smarter, and more flexible. Here’s what FinTechObserve readers need to know about the upcoming changes.
Smarter Order Tracking with Apple Intelligence
Apple Wallet will soon use Apple Intelligence (Apple’s new AI suite) to automatically extract, summarize, and display order tracking information from merchant and delivery emails. Instead of digging through your inbox, you’ll be able to see what you bought, where it is, and when it’s arriving — all within Apple Wallet.
This update will streamline purchase tracking and consolidate spending visibility, potentially rivaling third-party expense apps.
Installments & Rewards Coming to In-Store Apple Pay
Apple Pay will expand support for two major features:
- Installment payments in-store, via supported credit/debit cards and BNPL providers.
- Reward redemption at checkout, allowing users to apply points and cashback offers instantly.
These features will roll out in:
- United States: Affirm, Cash App Afterpay, Klarna, Synchrony, U.S. Bank
- United Kingdom: Monzo, Klarna
- Canada: Klarna
Apple Pay’s evolution will place it in direct competition with fintech players like Revolut and Klarna by embedding flexible finance options right at the point of sale.
Group Payments with Apple Cash
Later this year, Apple Cash will allow users to send and request money directly within group chats in Messages. Whether it’s splitting dinner bills or settling up concert tickets, users will be able to transfer funds seamlessly in the conversation thread — no separate apps required.
This feature will offer a native alternative to group payment tools like Splitwise or Revolut’s Group Bills.
Digital ID and Online Verification
iOS 26 will introduce the ability to add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport. This feature will allow users to verify their identity at select TSA checkpoints and, eventually, more in-person use cases.
Apple will also roll out Verify with Wallet on the Web, enabling users to verify their age or identity on supported websites using their Digital ID. Launch partners include:
- Chime
- Uber Eats
- Turo
- U.S. Bank
- State agencies in Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland
This could mark Apple’s first real entry into digital identity verification — an area where fintech firms like IDnow or Yoti have built reputations.
Smarter Boarding Passes for Travelers
Boarding passes in Apple Wallet will get a major upgrade, showing:
- Real-time flight tracking via Live Activities
- Navigation features for airport terminals (powered by Apple Maps)
- Integration with Find My for tracking luggage
- Airline app features like seat upgrades and standby lists
Supported airlines will include American, Delta, Lufthansa, JetBlue, Qantas, and more.
While not a direct financial tool, this positions Apple Wallet as an even more essential app for frequent travelers — blending payment, ID, and itinerary tools.
Final Thoughts: Apple Wallet Is Evolving Into a Fintech Super App
Apple’s fall 2025 updates will transform Apple Wallet from a convenient tool into a comprehensive personal finance and identity hub. With AI-powered order tracking, in-store installments, group payments, and verified ID — Apple is shaping a future where your phone handles not just how you pay, but who you are.
With new features like installment payments and order tracking, Apple Wallet competes more directly with Google Pay and other digital wallets.
Stay tuned to FinTechObserve for updates and hands-on reviews once iOS 26 launches.
Source: Based on Apple’s official newsroom update, “Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall”, published June 9, 2025.
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