Apple Pay, the ubiquitous Apply payment platform, just got an upgrade in the UK. It’s all about control, confidence, and a dash of Apple's signature flair. Picture one of their catchy commercials with hip young people, only about payments.

More than Just a Payment

Bear with us and think “Apple” as you read: Your trusty Wallet evolves from a silent spectator to a savvy financial advisor. Apple Pay's latest feature lets you connect your cards, offering a backstage pass to your financial world. Swipe right on control, and confidently strut into transactions as the tech giant takes ever more steps into the financial realm.

Move over traditional transactions; it's time for informed purchases with panache. Apple Pay's new features let you gaze at your up-to-the-minute debit card balance, transaction history, and more. Do you feel empowered?

While we’re sure that these are fantastic additions, they all seem a little run of the mill.

Apple Promotes New Apple Pay UK Bank Account Balance Feature https://t.co/cBypaOJWxQ pic.twitter.com/dZC9rxI8ff

— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) November 16, 2023

But What Does It Actually Mean?

In plain English, users can see up to date debit card balances at the time of a purchase and when they’re checking out using Apple Pay online or in an app. OK, we’ll take it back, that seems useful.

Users will also be able to view their debit card account details, as well as debit and credit card spending history, payments Payments One of the bases of mediums of exchange in the modern world, a payment constitutes the transfer of a legal currency or equivalent from one party in exchange for goods or services to another entity. The payments industry has become a fixture of modern commerce, though the players involved and means of exchange have dramatically shifted over time.In particular, a party making a payment is referred to as a payer, with the payee reflecting the individual or entity receiving the payment. Most commonl One of the bases of mediums of exchange in the modern world, a payment constitutes the transfer of a legal currency or equivalent from one party in exchange for goods or services to another entity. The payments industry has become a fixture of modern commerce, though the players involved and means of exchange have dramatically shifted over time.In particular, a party making a payment is referred to as a payer, with the payee reflecting the individual or entity receiving the payment. Most commonl Read this Term, deposits, and withdrawals, conveniently in one place in Wallet. Great. No great news, but great.

To get going, ensure you're on iOS 17.1. Pick your eligible card, and voila! Get authenticating through your financial provider's app, and just like that, you're in control. What did Steve Jobs say? “It just works”?

Who’s on Board?

Apple has been working with Barclays, Barclaycard, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, M&S Bank, Monzo, NatWest, and Royal Bank of Scotland and they’re all raring to go.

Just remember, Apple Pay is part of Apple's "walled garden" ecosystem, and that does cause the company problems. And, Apple has recently been having issues with Goldman Sachs over its financial services. It's not all unicorns and butterflies in Cupertino.

But, we’ll admit it. These Apple Pay additions do seem useful.