With the advent of iOS 17, Apple introduced Connected Cards, and after weeks of beta testing, the United Kingdom emerges as the pioneering nation to officially embrace this feature. This groundbreaking service seamlessly integrates traditional bank accounts into the Apple Wallet, facilitated by the Open Banking API of the country. Noteworthy institutions such as Barclays, Lloyds, and HSBC participated in the initial trial, providing users with comprehensive insights into transactions, current balances, and fundamental account details.
In the realm of Connected Cards, users gain the flexibility to designate one or more cards linked to specific accounts within British banks. While the initial launch focuses on the United Kingdom, a comparable system is anticipated to make its way to the United States. However, the progress is contingent on the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is diligently working on an equivalent to the Open Banking API.
Notably, the Terms and Conditions on the Apple website hint at the service's presence in the United States, intricately interwoven with the Terms and Conditions tailored for the United Kingdom. This signifies Apple's readiness to extend the service beyond the UK, with the regulatory green light awaiting its moment to materialize.