Apple will allow users to delete the default Wallet app in iOS 16.1, according to a new report.
The company dropped the iOS 16 beta 7 and iPadOS 16.1 beta yesterday, and though neither update introduced any new features, it does seem that the Wallet app can now be removed from devices. According to the beta code in iPadOS 16.1, it will be possible to uninstall the app, which could appease antitrust regulators.
The Wallet app was previously known as Passbook and allows consumers to store their debit and credit cards, as well as tickets, car keys, hotel keys, and more. It’s currently not possible to remove the app from your iPhone or iPad, but it appears that this could change with iOS 16.1.
Removing the Wallet app renders Apple Pay useless, and consumers are encouraged to “download the Wallet app from the App Store” when they visit a website or app with an Apple Pay screen.
In earlier iOS 16 betas, it was possible to delete the Find My, Health, and Clock apps.
Earlier in the year, the EU criticized Apple for restricting the NFC technology for its own payments and not opening it up to third-party platforms. Apple has already added new tools such as Tap to Pay, which will allow developers to use Apple devices as a contactless card terminal.
Stay tuned for more news on iOS 16 on our website.