After a reveal earlier in March this year, Apple finally started rolling out its new Goldman Sachs-backed credit card this month.
The Apple Card is starting out available to only US iPhone users, but we're already starting to learn a few intriguing facts about it.
Images courtesy: Apple
Apparently the physical titanium card can be easily damaged. An Apple support page picked up by MacRumours advises that you don't keep the card in a leather wallet or pants. Specifically, it says "Some fabrics, like leather and denim, might cause permanent discoloration that will not wash off."
The Apple Card, like every other Apple product, is as much a status symbol as it is a device of convenience. Apple knows this, that's part of its USP. So they also know to warn you that you won't look quite as fancy if your stark white Apple card is tinged with smudges of browns or colours from the way you store it.
Aside from that, Apple has also says its titanium credit card is "laser-etched with the card holder's name and the Apple logo, and that its white finish is achieved through a "multi-layer coating process that's added to the titanium base material." What that means is, storing this card where it can come into contact with other hard surfaces can scratch it. That could be from other credit cards in your wallet, the metal studs on your denims, coins or keys in your pocket.?
Aside from that, Apple is also obviously advising you don't store the card near a magnetized strip, like the magnetic latch on a handbag. That can cause the card's magnetic strip to demagnetize, rendering it useless. They also advises cleaning the card with only a slightly damp microfiber cloth dipped in water or isopropyl alcohol. Basically, don't use cleaning fluid you'd use around your house, or even an abrasive cloth. Essentially, treat this like you would a new iPhone.
Sure, it all makes sense logically, when you consider how the Apple Card is more of a status symbol than an actual credit card. There are better offers out there. But people are certainly going to be surprised to know they can't store it in the wallet or handbag they've used for so long.?
Reuters
Honestly, we won't even be too surprised if Apple soon launches an Apple Card case, specifically for you to carry your status symbol in protective fashion, albeit in a way that no one would actually be able to see it.