One of the most exciting new features announced for iOS 11 did not arrive when the full update launched on September 19.
Apple Pay Cash will enable iOS users to quickly send and receive money from other iOS users directly via the Messages app.
The feature was first announced back in June at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC,) but won’t arrive until a future iOS 11 update.
An extension of Apple’s Wallet and its Apple Pay system, the tool will let users transfer money directly to others. While many third-party apps like Venmo or Square Cash already offer this functionality, the built in feature for iOS users instantly provides a large userbase, meaning more and more users will take advantage of sending money quickly via their smart devices.
Apple Pay will role out across iOS 11 for iPhone and iPad, and watchOS 4 – though Apple hasn’t announced when, it still says “coming this fall” in a recent blog post.
The post explains:
Coming this fall with an update to iOS 11 and watchOS 4, Apple Pay users will be able to send and receive money from friends and family quickly, easily and securely. Pay and get paid right in Messages, or tell Siri to pay someone, using the credit and debit cards they have in Wallet. When users get paid, they receive the money in their new Apple Pay Cash card in Apple Wallet and can use the money instantly.
Apple refreshed the majority of its software on September 19. This included iOS 11, tvOS 11, watchOS 4, followed a week later by macOS High Sierra.
To upgrade to iOS 11 open the Settings app, tap General and then Software Update.