Alexander Lewis 
Feb 13, 2024
Apple has finally released the beta version of its top-of-the line iOS update, iOS 17.4 Beta 2, wherein the tech giant seems to have integrated an extremely rare yet crucial feature to simplify payments through Apple Cash for iOS users.
Although the latest iOS update is exclusively accessible to the beta testers only, posts on Reddit, a social media platform, suggest that the it enables users to generate a virtual card number which can be viably utilised in the absence of Apple Pay online, as reported by 9to5 Mac.
Apple Cash is Apple's prepaid debit card that has traditionally only been usable with Apple Pay, without any available card number. Funds on an Apple Cash card can be sent to friends and family, transferred to a bank, or applied to an Apple Card balance.
Read more: iOS 17.2 is out now — Journal app and 6 fresh surprises
With iOS 17.4, Apple is introducing a new option for Apple Cash customers to spend their balance even when Apple Pay is not accessible. A new popup message in the Wallet app states:
- Set Up Virtual Card Number
- Keep your card information safe with a new security code for every transaction.
- Easily access this card number in Safari AutoFill and use it to shop online where Apple Pay is not available.
What's offered with iOS 17.4?
When you choose to activate your Apple Cash virtual card number, you gain access to various features such as viewing the card number, generating new card numbers and security codes, and more.
This mirrors the functionality already present for the Apple Card credit card since its introduction, but now applies to the Apple Cash debit card.
The rollout of the new Apple Cash virtual card number seems to be underway for iOS 17.4 beta testers currently, although it may not be accessible to all Apple Cash accounts at this time. The wider release of iOS 17.4 to the public is anticipated in early March.
