The Wallet app on the iPhone has incorporated built-in order tracking since the release of iOS 16. However, many users might not have encountered this feature yet. Here’s everything you need to know about how order tracking functions and the reasons for its rarity.
Understanding Order Tracking in Wallet
Apple’s ambition to replace physical wallets with its Wallet app for iPhone has seen both successes and hurdles.
A significant factor in the effectiveness of the Wallet app relies on third-party adoption of Apple’s ecosystem. For instance, while some states in the U.S. provide digital IDs in Wallet, the uptake has been limited.
Order tracking has also been a slow-rolling feature within the Wallet app.
In the upper right corner of the Wallet app is a box icon that ideally serves as a central hub for your various Apple Pay orders.
When successful, this feature allows you to view:
- The status of your order, estimated delivery times, and any potential issues reported
- Order numbers, total costs, and payment statuses
Nonetheless, despite its potential, this feature has struggled to gain traction over the past two years.
Why Order Tracking in Apple Wallet is Rare
In the two years since order tracking was introduced, I’ve personally never utilized this feature—until now.
A reader recently shared that they too have just encountered their first compatible order in the Wallet app.
Another colleague from DMN has managed to see three compatible orders in the past two years.
What causes this scarcity?
According to Apple, order tracking functions for Apple Pay transactions completed on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac ‘from a participating app or website.’
When you make a purchase from a participating merchant, you can track orders in the Wallet app from your iPhone.
The challenge lies in the difficulty of identifying a ‘participating merchant.’ Apple does not provide a comprehensive list, and as previously mentioned, many users may have completed Apple Pay transactions over the last couple of years without encountering one single participating merchant.
At the feature’s launch, Apple had established partnerships with significant e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
However, nowadays, many third-party shopping platforms prefer to promote their own order tracking systems to keep users within their ecosystem rather than directing them to Apple’s.
Conclusion on Wallet Order Tracking
The fact that I’ve finally seen my first order in the Wallet app may indicate that Apple has strengthened partnerships with new merchants. Or it might just be a coincidental occurrence.
Regardless, having the ability to track orders in one centralized spot through an aesthetically pleasing interface is certainly a welcome feature. Sadly, the concept of a centralized hub often falls flat when most of your orders fail to appear there.
What has been your experience with Apple Wallet order tracking? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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