iOS 18 brings two notable changes to the Wallet app. One is to offer a new way to pay back friends, and the other is to provide access to more information when storing digital tickets in the app. Both would be welcome improvements to the iPhone software if the full version of iOS 18 arrives this fall, around the same time Apple launches its iPhone 16 lineup.

There's no need to wait until then to learn about the new Wallet features, as a public beta version of iOS 18 is scheduled to be released this month. Those who have already downloaded the iOS 18 developer beta have also provided details about the Wallet changes to supplement what Aple already said in the iOS 18 preview at WWDC 2024.

Here's a look at the two major changes to Wallet, along with a third feature that introduces a new payment method to the iPhone's digital wallet.

When I need to pay a bill with a friend, whether it's splitting a meal tab or when they pick up tickets to an upcoming game, I use Apple Cash. It's a Wallet feature that lets me withdraw money from my bank account and send it to my friends via message, much more convenient than Venmo or PayPal.

iOS 18 will make it even more convenient, as the updated version of Wallet adds a Tap to Cash feature that lets you send money by simply holding your iPhone close to the recipient. Money transfers are authenticated using the usual iPhone security methods, such as FaceID, passcode, or Touch ID.

Apple has not explained in depth how Tap to Cash works, but the concept is similar to the NameDrop feature introduced in iOS 17 last year. If you recall, this feature allowed users to transfer contact information with other iPhone users by bringing their phones close to each other. Similarly, iOS 17 added a proximity sharing feature for transferring photos and files, and we assume Tap to Cash will work the same way.

More good news for Apple Watch owners: Tap to Cash is also part of watchOS 11, adding your smartwatch to the list of devices that can send and receive money. They also note that Tap to Cash controls are available in the revamped Control Center, allowing you to initiate money transfers more quickly.

Note that Tap to Cash will only be supported in the US as an extension of the US-only Apple Cash feature

While on the topic of payments, Apple briefly mentioned during its WWDC keynote that Wallet now supports payments via Apple Pay point redemption Apple briefly mentioned that Wallet now supports Apple Pay point redemption payments. Details on this feature are extremely sparse and will depend on whether banks and card companies participate in offering loyalty programs through Apple Pay.

Additionally, iOS 18 will allow access to installment payment information from banks through Wallet. Again, this feature requires an endorsement from the bank.

Wallet has established itself as a convenient place to stash digital tickets and boarding passes. However, other than showing the ticket to the attendant when you arrive at the venue, you probably won't spend much time on this aspect of Wallet; that may change once iOS 18 adds an event guide to the app.

In iOS 18, tickets stored in Wallet may come with guides if the ticket provider has partnered with Apple on this feature. The guide could include information about the venue itself, such as parking lot opening times and weather forecasts. The ticket might also include a map of the venue itself. Although Apple has not yet stated it, it is easy to imagine tickets to sporting events linking to a preview of the next game in the iPhone's news app, for example.

While one can see how useful the Event Guide can be in practice, it certainly seems that Wallet is expanding its scope beyond simply serving as a digital storage for payment data, passes, and ID cards.