Apple Pay Cash Will Finally Launch in iOS 11.2

Apple has soft-launched its new Apple Pay Cash system in the latest public beta version of iOS 11.2, hinting that the public rollout of the feature is imminent.

The peer-to-peer payment system, first unveiled at WWDC earlier this year, allows for users to send and receive money via the native iOS Messages app. But while it was announced several months ago, there was little indication of when exactly it would be released — until now.

The payment platform is now featured in iOS 11.2 beta 2, which is available to both registered Apple developers and public beta testers alike. Its inclusion in the latest beta version basically confirms that it’ll be ready to launch with the public rollout of iOS 11.2, expected later this fall. (It’s limited to U.S. users at this time, however).

Apple Pay Cash will allow iPhone users running iOS 11.2 and Apple Watch users running watchOS 4.2 to easily send and receive payments. Unlike other third-party apps like Venmo or Square Cash, Apple Pay Cash is deeply integrated into iOS — with transactions conducted via iMessage.

While sent cash will be pulled from a linked debit or credit card, users receiving cash will see their funds stashed in a new Cash card in Wallet. Money in this new card can be used for purchases at Apple Pay locations, for Apple Pay Cash transactions, or sent to an external bank account.

How to Get Apple Pay Cash

Users will need to download iOS 11.2 beta 2. App developers currently beta testing the software can download the update over the air, or via the developer’s portal. For non-developers, it’s also available via public beta. Interested users need to sign up for Apple’s beta software testing program and register their device.

Of course, it’s always recommended that users refrain from installing beta software on their primary devices. If that’s not an option, it’s smart to at least back up your device beforehand.

Additional requirements:

• An iPhone 6 or later running iOS 11.2 beta 2 is required.
• Two-factor authentication must be enabled.
• To use Apple Pay Cash, a minimum of $10 must be loaded onto the Cash card in Wallet.
• All parties need to have the feature enabled and activated for transactions to work.