In the past, all Apple apps were more or less directly forced on iPhone users. But now many, but not all Apple apps can be deleted again. Now the manufacturer is planning the next step and will soon grant users more freedom again.
On the iPhone: Apple wants to make the wallet app erasable
The wallet app on the iPhone will soon be added to the Apple apps that can be deleted directly. Corresponding references to this can be found in the beta of iPadOS 16.1 (source: 9to5Mac). Specifically, the code contains the information that the wallet app can be downloaded from the App Store if it has previously been removed from an iPhone and the user tries to use a function such as Apple Pay with the iPhone. In this case, the wallet app is required, since the corresponding bank cards have to be stored there.
If you want to use Apple Pay, you need the wallet app:
It can be assumed that Apple will introduce the option with a future update to iOS 16.1. Worth knowing: There is no beta of iOS 16.1 yet, only iPadOS 16.1. In this respect, what the code describes cannot currently be checked in practice. It is quite possible that iOS 16.1 will be released at the same time as iPadOS 16.1 sometime in October. As is well known, there will be no version 16.0 of the iPad system, instead Apple is skipping this version number and starting directly with version 16.1 with a delay.
A possible reason for the move
It is not really known why Apple wants to give users more freedom at this point. Our assumption: This is certainly not done entirely voluntarily. However, the provider is known to be confronted with a class action lawsuit. The charge: Apple violates antitrust laws by making Apple Pay the only mobile wallet available for such payments on iPhone. A deletion option, on the other hand, could take the wind out of the sails of the accusation. At least that’s the understandable hope in Cupertino.