iPhones in the UK now have a major difference to US handsets – and fans are jealous of both sides

THE difference between UK and US iPhones appears to be growing wider, according to reports.

Not only do the physical handsets look different, but the Apple Wallet now has some UK-exclusive perks.

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With the iOS 17.1, iPhone users in the UK can add debit and credit cards from select banks in the country to their Wallet app.

The banks include Barclays, Monzo, Starling, HSBC, Lloyds and RBS.

The Connected Cards feature, as Apple calls it, lets UK users consolidate all their accounts in one place.

It also lets users see their bank balance then and there, without having to open their online banking app.

Some US users are envious of the UK’s open banking system, which is why the feature was launched in the country.

“Meanwhile in the USA still takes four days to transfer money between your own accounts and the bank just pockets the interest,” one American iPhone owner wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another tweeted: “Lucky. Hopefully they implement this in the US.”

However, UK users were quick to point out that the Apple Card – the company’s very own credit card – is only available in the US.

Equally, Apple Cash, which is a feature letting users send and receive money in Message or Wallet, is only accessible to US users.

“I just want Apple Card & Apple Cash in the UK,” one Brit tweeted.

Another wrote: “Mind blowing seeing how much different the Wallet app is in the US compared to the rest of the world.

“Really wish we could get some of the Apple Cash & Apple Card features in the UK.”

A third person tweeted: “Don’t even have this Apple Card in the UK such a shame, neither do we have Apple Cash

“So many things we just don’t get ugh!”

There is no sign on if either US features will ever land in the UK.

Although there are rumours that the UK-exclusive Connected Cards feature might be making its way across the pond.

According to MacRumours, Apple has hinted that it is working on bringing Connected Cards to the US in the fine print of a legal document.

The document wrote: “If you are in the United States, Connected Cards is provided by Apple Processing LLC; if you are in the United Kingdom, Connected Cards is provided by Apple Payment Services Ltd (together, ‘Apple’).”

While it’s unclear when Connect Cards will launch on the opposite side of the Atlantic, or which banks will participate, it could be as soon as next year.

Earlier this year, the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it expected to finalise its decision on rolling out an open banking framework (similar to the UK’s) in 2024.

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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk