If you want to keep a better eye on your bank account then it's worth downloading the very latest version of iOS 17. Apple has just released a major upgrade to its popular Wallet feature which now lets you check your bank and credit card balances without needing to launch any additional apps.
There's even the addition of seeing all transactions, such as Apple Pay payments, no matter how big or small, plus you can monitor deposits and any withdrawals. Apple says it hopes this will help its iPhone users make more informed decisions when buying things along with getting key information about their finances.
The update has been made possible thanks to the Open Banking initiative with all major financial providers - including Barclays, Barclaycard, FirstDirect, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, M&S Bank, Monzo, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland - now allowing Apple to show this personal data in the Wallet.
“By enabling users to conveniently access their most useful account information within Wallet and at the time of their purchase, they can make informed financial decisions and better understand and manage their spend,” said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
“We look forward to working with U.K. partners under the Open Banking initiative to help users better their financial health, and provide more ways in which banks can deepen their relationships with customers.”
If you want to easily see your data in Apple Wallet then it's really simple to set things up.
Firstly, make sure your device is updated to the very latest version of iOS 17 (currently iOS 17.1.1). Once that's done you need to head to your Wallet and find any card or cards you have already set up to use with Apple Pay.
You'll then be asked if you want to link the card with an authentication process taking place to make sure you give the correct consent.
As soon as that is completed you'll start seeing all of your banking data right in the Wallet.
It's worth noting that Apple says all user account balance information, transaction history and other account details are stored on device and never on its servers.