The next step for Apple Wallet: AI-powered order tracking
Smartphones already manage our payments; soon they could manage the entire lifecycle of a purchase. Apple Wallet’s potential expansion would allow users to see order status, shipping updates, and delivery windows in one place, powered by AI that connects to merchants, carriers, and notification systems. This could turn the wallet from a simple payment companion into a central hub for the shopping journey.
How it could work
When you buy with a payment method linked to Wallet, the merchant could share order data with Wallet with your consent. An AI engine—whether on-device or in the cloud—could pull data from retailers, carriers, and marketplaces, presenting a unified timeline: order confirmed, dispatched, in transit, out for delivery, and delivered. Real-time ETA estimates would adapt to delays, rerouting, or weather, delivering timely alerts within the wallet instead of scattering updates across multiple apps.
Benefits for shoppers and merchants
For shoppers, this reduces app-switching and anxiety about late deliveries. Consumers would have one trusted source for receipts, delivery windows, and returns, with proactive updates that adapt to changing courier statuses. For merchants and couriers, Wallet-based tracking could streamline communication, improve transparency, and potentially lower support calls by giving customers direct access to status information through the wallet itself.
Privacy and security considerations
Given the sensitivity of purchase data, safeguards are essential. Ideally, data would be opt-in, encrypted, and processed with privacy-by-design principles. On-device AI processing could minimize data sent to the cloud, while end-to-end encryption would protect order details, addresses, and tracking data from third parties. Clear controls would let users manage permissions, revoke access, and delete history.
What to watch for in the coming years
Widespread adoption hinges on standardizing data formats across retailers and carriers, plus robust privacy protections. Integration would require cooperation across the retail ecosystem, including third-party marketplaces and logistics providers. There could be challenges in handling cross-border shipments, returns, and escrow-like payments. Yet the potential is clear: fewer apps, faster updates, and a more frictionless shopping experience on the iPhone.
Getting ready for a future with AI-driven tracking
Users can prepare by ensuring their devices are updated and by reviewing privacy settings related to purchasing and notifications. Merchants and developers should explore secure data-sharing frameworks, APIs for order status feeds, and transparent consent flows to support wallet-based tracking without compromising user trust.
Conclusion: A smarter wallet for a smarter shopper
AI-powered order tracking in Apple Wallet could transform how we monitor purchases, turning a digital wallet into the nerve center of the shopping journey. By uniting payment, order data, and real-time updates in one place, Apple Wallet would not only simplify checkout but also deliver a smoother, more reliable delivery experience for customers and partners alike.
