Apple Watch to function as all-around wallet with watchOS 8 [Video]

• The Apple Watch may soon replace people’s wallets, thanks to its numerous new features.
• Users can add ID cards to be presented to authorities.
• The smartwatch can also act as a digital key that can unlock cars and houses with smart locks.

Apple executives have touted the Apple Watch as the people’s new wallet with its new operating system, watchOS 8.

Consumers got a preview of watchOS8 and iOS 15 during WWDC21.

The smartwatch is not only able to add a credit card and make purchases, but it can also add ID cards and digital keys.

Deidre Caldbeck, director of Apple Watch product marketing, said, “This is kind of our vision for eventually replacing the physical wallet where you just have everything you need…right on your wrist.”

It will take some time before all US customers can add their ID cards, house keys, hotel cards, and work credentials on their Wallet app, however. To start with, only 12 of all 50 American states will be able to allow citizens to add their ID Card to their iPhone’s wallet.

Kevin Lynch, Apple’s VP of technology, said, “You’ll be able to have it in your Wallet. You can see your ID there like your other cards. And then you can present that if you choose to, for example, TSA.”

The process will be “very much like how Apple Pay works,” said Lynch. “You can digitally present it, and the information can show up for the person who is looking at your ID.”

With the U1 chip, the Apple Watch can also be used as a key to unlock a car or a house with smart locks.

Lynch remarked, “It’s a lot of fun to be able to just walk up to your car and have it unlock and then drive,” likening the Apple Watch to a “kind of keys to the world type thing.”

Check out 9to5Mac’s full guide on watchOS 8 here.

Source: 9to5Mac