Are you an Apple Card user? Keep an eye out for an important email

By Bryan M. Wolfe April 30, 2024

Apple Card held in hand — Christine Romero-Chan/ Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Perhaps in Apple’s ideal world, everyone who uses an Apple Card would do so digitally with Apple Pay. However, according to an email now going out to the first Apple Card users, a physical titanium Apple Card isn’t going away anytime soon.

As first spotted by MacRumors, Apple has begun sending out emails saying that the oldest Apple Cards are about to expire. As such, customers will soon receive a new Apple Card in the mail.

The email states:

“We’re sending a replacement titanium card to your billing address so you can continue to use it at physical locations. Remember, even without a physical card, you can always use your Apple Card at any location that accepts Apple Pay. Your new titanium card will be shipped within 2 weeks from the date of this communication.

“You can continue to use your titanium card until it expires or you activate the new one. You can still use Apple Card with Apple Pay and your virtual card number to shop at merchants that don’t yet accept Apple Pay by typing in your number from Wallet or using Safari AutoFill.”

In a unique move, Apple is including a prepaid shipping label in the package with the new Apple Card to allow customers to send in their old card for recycling. Apple suggests anyone receiving their new Apple Card should activate it as soon as possible. Better still, be sure to do it before the old card expires.

Apple Card was first introduced in 2019. As of January, there were 12 million cardholders.

It’s surprising that Apple is sticking with a physical Apple Card, especially given its commitment to improving the environment. And yet, it makes sense. However, while Apple Pay dominates the U.S. digital wallet market with over 500 million users globally, not every business accepts digital payments. Perhaps more importantly, not every online business does either. Perhaps in another five years, physical Apple Cards will be phased out. But for now, the titanium card is staying.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

Mobile

Why you shouldn’t buy a new Apple Watch right now

The curved screen on the Apple Watch Series 9.

It has been over six months since the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched, and they are still considered two of the best smartwatches on the market. However, there are two significant reasons why you might not want to purchase either of these models.

Those reasons are the Apple Watch Series 8 and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra. That's right — buying a 2022 Apple Watch over the newer models might be a better choice for you.
Why now's a great time to buy an old Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 9 (top) and Apple Watch Series 8 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Mobile

8 watches you should buy instead of an Apple Watch

A person wearing the Apple Watch Series 9.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch you can buy, regardless of the fact you can only use it with an iPhone. It's also great that it comes in three flavors — the Series 9, along with the Apple Watch SE 2, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — to suit many more people and pockets than you may first think. However, perhaps you want something a little different on your wrist or even a weekend alternative when you don’t feel like wearing a touchscreen watch.

That’s where this list should help you out, as we’ve gathered eight watches to buy instead of the Apple Watch. Notice I said “watches,” and not just smartwatches, as some non-connected wristwear has been included. Our choices cover the entire Apple Watch range in terms of price, even going above and below, to give you some real inspiration about a watch to buy instead of — or as well as — the superb Apple Watch.
Casio G-Shock GPR-H1000 Rangeman
Casio G-Shock Rangeman Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Mobile

Apple Music just got a cool feature you won’t find on Spotify

Apple Music Replay screenshots via Apple.

The Apple Music Replay feature gives you a rundown of which songs and albums you've listened to on the service every year. But now, it's getting a makeover that will make it more handy. Rundowns are being offered every month, allowing you to see your favorite tunes during the past 30-plus days — as well as how often you've listened to those titles.

The new monthly Apple Music Replay feature is only available through the web on the Apple Music Replay website, which is unfortunate, but unsurprising. The annual Apple Music Replay launches every December and is also a web-only feature.