Apple Pay Cash Won’t Be Available in Initial iOS 11 Release

Apple on Monday confirmed that Apple Pay Cash won’t be available in the first versions of iOS 11 and watchOS 4, slated for a general release tomorrow, Sept. 19. Instead, the platform will be coming “later” this fall.

Previously, a rather vaguely worded “Coming This Fall” label was already added to the Apple Pay Cash page on the company’s website — so there was a chance that Cash wouldn’t roll out on iOS 11’s launch day. But today, Apple officially confirmed in a press release that the peer-to-peer payment system would be coming in a later update to iOS 11 and watchOS 4, which should then be released sometime this fall. It’s currently unknown whether the feature has hit a delay, or whether Apple had always planned on releasing it later.

Apple Pay Cash is a peer-to-peer payment platform that allows users to send and receive money via iMessage. The system, akin to PayPal or other services, also features a holding account-type card where funds will be sent. It’s built into the Messages App Drawer, which should add convenience for users sending money to family and friends. The system only requires a few taps and authentication via Touch ID or Face ID.

When sent and accepted, funds are immediately added to the Apple Pay Cash card in the native Wallet app. From here, money can be spent at locations and websites that accept Apple Pay. Additionally, users will have the option to withdraw the funds to a linked bank account. The system also features deep integration with Siri, who will be able to tell if an iMessage conversation brings up money. Siri can then automatically prompt an Apple Pay Cash transaction for the user to accept or decline.

Apple Pay Cash will be free to use for iOS and watchOS users, as long as they use the aforementioned Apple Pay Cash card or debit cards. Transactions made via credit cards will be subject to the industry three percent fee for processing.

Beyond “this fall,” Apple hasn’t shared any other details about the timeline or a specific release date. The feature will only be available to users in the U.S. when it does launch, however.

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