The iOS 17.4 beta brings several interesting new features, but one of the less talked about is the addition of a card number that is generated for Apple Cash when Apple Pay is not an option. This information comes from a series of Reddit threads (via 9to5mac) that mention this feature and its functionality.

According to users using the Apple Card feature in iOS 17.4 beta, there is a new pop-up prompting to set a virtual card number. Once generated, this new number can be accessed via Safari's AutoFill and used for online shopping. The user can verify the card in the wallet and generate a new card number and CVC code.

Apple Cash functions more like a debit card than an Apple Card. Apple Cash functions more like a debit card than an Apple Card. Instead of needing to be paid back over time, Apple Cash functions more like a prepaid debit card and can be used for money transfers and remittances. This makes it difficult to overspend, but it does not offer cash back like Apple Pay.

The advantages of generating new codes are mainly security and the ability to shop online with peace of mind. It makes it more difficult for fraudsters to duplicate card numbers since they do not know the original details. Also, the generated card number is likely not to be used more than once, so even if the number is cloned, it cannot be used to make another purchase.

However, it appears that this feature is not yet fully available to all beta users. If you are using the beta version, you can check to see if the option is available by opening the Wallet app and tapping Apple Cash Card to see if there is an option to set up a virtual card. There is currently no information on whether this feature is available for phones not currently running iOS 17.4 or if it will be locked to that update.

There is no information on whether this feature will be primarily US-based or if there will be options for other providers besides Visa, but it seems certain that this feature will be added. However, we will know more once we have a chance to download and test the update ourselves.