Apple Card Preview program invitation emails going out now in US

Apple has published a new webpage for Apple Card, and is providing early access to the soon-to-launch credit card to a small number of customers in a preview.

Accessing the Wallet subdomain of the Apple website takes users to a page headlined "You're almost there," complete with the Apple Card logo in the navigation bar and an image of the Wallet app's Apple Card interface on an iPhone display.

The page advises those who have "received an email invitation to the Apple Card Preview" can apply for Apple Card directly from within the Wallet app on the iPhone. Applications can also be made via the iPad, by using the Settings app then Wallet & Apple Pay.

Apple also offers a link to the main Apple Card page of the website, for users who want to be notified of when the card will be available generally.

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Potential users of the preview are advised to check that they are a US citizen or lawful resident aged 18 or over, are using the latest version of iOS on their device, and have an iPhone that is compatible with Apple Pay before applying. The page also includes a step-by-step video explaining how to apply for Apple Card from within the app.

AppleInsider has confirmed with sources inside Apple not authorized to speak on behalf of the company that invitation emails have gone out to "a very, very small group" of "select iPhone owners." Beyond that, it isn't presently clear what criteria are being using for early invites.

It appears that the effort is the last phase of pre-launch testing. Apple may have chosen this "soft launch" for scale-testing, similar to how a popular mobile game that is expected to induce a heavy server load is launched in smaller markets prior to a US debut.

A firm launch date for all iPhone owners is not yet set. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the conference call following the most recent earnings disclosure that the Apple Card would launch for all in August.

Goldman Sachs, Apple's partner for Apple Card, recently published details of its customer agreement for the card, advising of an APR of between 13.24% and 24.24%, a requirement for an Apple ID in good standing, and restrictions on cryptocurrency purchases.

It is likely that Apple will expand Apple Card into other territories if the US launch goes well. The iPhone maker has already been spotted filing trademarks in Canada for both Apple Card and Apple Pay Cash, making it a likely second market.

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25 Comments

perkedel 10 comments · 8 Years

About 5 years ago

AppleInsider has confirmed with sources inside Apple not authorized to speak on behalf of the company that invitation emails have gone out to "a very, very small group" of "select iPhone owners." Beyond that, it isn't presently clear what criteria are being using for early invites.
These are probably youtubers like iJustine, MKBHD, etc.

Good luck everybody!

harry wild 808 comments · 11 Years

The only person I am 100% sure that got the exclusive invitation for Apple Card is Tim Cook! Maybe the second person is Warren Buffett.

Soli 9981 comments · 9 Years

harry wild said:

The only person I am 100% sure that got the exclusive invitation for Apple Card is Tim Cook! Maybe the second person is Warren Buffett.

When you run the company that's behind it do you need to be invited?

mpantone 2245 comments · 18 Years

harry wild said:

The only person I am 100% sure that got the exclusive invitation for Apple Card is Tim Cook! Maybe the second person is Warren Buffett.

I will bet you a buffalo nickel that the Apple senior management team have been using the Apple Card in Apple Pay for the better part of a month. They probably carry the physical cards in their wallets even if they don't use them frequently.

Likely the same with Goldman Sachs senior management team.

The most reasonable guess is that members of the press -- some of those who get invited to Apple launch events -- were amongst those who received the preview e-mail for early access. Foreign journalists and those using Android handsets would be excluded of course.

flydog 1140 comments · 14 Years

perkedel said:

AppleInsider has confirmed with sources inside Apple not authorized to speak on behalf of the company that invitation emails have gone out to "a very, very small group" of "select iPhone owners." Beyond that, it isn't presently clear what criteria are being using for early invites.

These are probably youtubers like iJustine, MKBHD, etc.

Good luck everybody!

The criteria is the same as those who have received early beta invites and previews for other products. A long history of providing constructive beta feedback and extensive use of the product being tested. In other words, people who can contribute to testing in a positive way. Apple could care less whether "iJustine" likes the card or not, and it's not a lottery.