Apple Wallet

Yes, Apple Wallet supports digital keys that utilize near-field communication (NFC) technology, allowing you to unlock compatible hotel rooms and cars directly from your iPhone. For example, BMW and Apple partnered to allow Digital Key functionality for several recent vehicle models. You simply tap your device against the reader to unlock the door.

While Apple Wallet is a built-in app for the iPhone, its functionality extends seamlessly to the Apple Watch, allowing you to make payments and access transit directly from your wrist. However, it is not natively available on Android devices or Mac computers. The Apple Watch syncs your added cards and passes automatically via the Watch app on your iPhone.

You can add boarding passes and loyalty cards by tapping an "Add to Apple Wallet" button directly inside an airline's app or a retailer's mobile app, which generates a digital pass. Alternatively, you can open the Apple Wallet app, tap the plus (+) sign, and scan a physical barcode. The pass then stores locally on your device for quick access.

Yes, Apple Pay uses a device-specific number and a unique transaction code, meaning your actual credit card number is never stored on Apple's servers or shared with the merchant. This process, called tokenization, requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to authorize the payment. It ensures that even if a merchant's terminal is compromised, your actual card details remain secure.