Apple launches new credit card (but don’t keep it in your wallet)

Aug 23, 2019 | E-commerce, Mobile

Apple has launched a new credit card this week, but the tech giant has warned that the high tech Apple Card may be permanently discoloured by some fabrics found in wallets and jeans.

The Apple Card became widely available in the US this week after being rolled out to a limited number of tech reviewers.

The release of the Apple Card in the US comes five months after it was announced.

It has been built in partnership with Mastercard and Goldman Sachs and offers 2% cashback for all purchases, rising up to 3% when purchases are for Apple products or services.

There are no late fees associated with the card, but it only works with the Apple Wallet app, through which customers can track spending and authorise purchases using Face ID or Touch ID and a unique security code.

The company has published a guide explaining how to keep it in good condition.

Unfortunately, true commitment to making sure the pure white card remains pristine may require breaking a lifelong habit of storing such items in a leather wallet or jeans pocket.

The card works in conjunction with the Apple Wallet app so that customers can track spending
Much like its iPhones, iPads and Mac products, Apple is clearly taking pride in the sleek design of the titanium card and warns that “some fabrics, like leather or denim, might cause permanent discolouration that will not wash off”.

The firm says those who do experience staining on their card should try and clean it with a “soft, slightly damp, lint-free microfiber cloth”, and then “moisten” said cloth with “isopropyl alcohol” to finish the job.

Apple also says users should not try to spruce it up with “window or household cleaners, compressed air, solvents, aerosol sprays, ammonia or abrasives” – and do not even think about wiping it against your jeans.

Other advice when it comes to looking after the card – which has not yet been made available in the UK – includes more standard tips, like keeping it separate from other credit and debit cards and not putting it near any magnets.

Apple is widely expected to hold another major product launch in just a few weeks, with its latest iPhone range due to be unveiled at an event at its California headquarters in September.

Recent leaks suggested there would not be major changes compared to the 2018 models, but that the new phones would sport much improved cameras.

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