Apple Pay Cash comes to the Apple Watch to help you pay your friends back

The feature comes through the latest watchOS software update
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Apple Pay Cash is now available through all models of the Apple Watch as part of the watchOS 4.2 software update.

The feature, which initially came to iPhones in the company's iOS 11.2 update, is now available for users of the smartwatch in both the Wallet app and Messages app. In the latter, you're able to access Cash below the Scribble function and reply to friend's messages with up $3,000.

Read this: How to set up and use Apple Pay on the Apple Watch

Through Wallet, Apple Pay Cash lets you pay in apps and in stores that use the service's virtual debit card, and Siri can also be used to send and request payments with contacts.

It's all pretty straightforward stuff, but let's just quickly break down the difference between Apple Pay and Apple Pay Cash, for those who aren't quite sure. Apple Pay, of course, has been available since the original Watch launched back in 2015, before receiving a wider rollout over the past couple of years. The feature essentially allows you to replicate your wallet on the wrist and take advantage of the NFC chip packed inside to make contactless payments.

Apple Pay Cash, on the other hand, is the Cupertino's system for person-to-person payments, which it first debuted back at WWDC 2017 in June. So, if you want to, for example, pay your friend back for a meal out, sending the money through Apple Pay Cash means the payment is instantly deposited onto an Apple Pay Cash card added into the Wallet and available for immediate use.

Just how popular the system proves to be remains to be seen, of course, but this is a positive step for anybody looking to leave their wallet behind and conduct all their financial dealings from the Apple Watch.

Apple Pay Cash comes to the Apple Watch to help you pay your friends back




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Conor Allison

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Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.

Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides. 

He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror. 


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