### Wallet’s Order Tracking Receives AI Enhancement in iOS 26
This year signifies major progress for the Apple Wallet application, especially with the rollout of new features like car keys, boarding passes, and digital IDs. Among these improvements, the order tracking feature, often ignored, is getting a much-deserved upgrade in iOS 26.
#### The Difficulty of Order Tracking
The Wallet application has encountered difficulties in maximizing its potential due to dependence on external partners. Features such as digital IDs have experienced slow uptake as states gradually adopt them, and car keys have been impeded by automakers’ reluctance to relinquish control to Apple.
Order tracking made its debut in iOS 16 with the intention of centralizing online purchase information from multiple retailers into a single accessible spot within the Wallet application. Nonetheless, the feature has struggled because of limited merchant support, leaving numerous users without a practical order tracking experience.
#### The Imminent Upgrade
With the launch of iOS 26, Apple intends to address these concerns by improving the order tracking functionality. According to Apple’s press announcement, the Wallet application will now employ AI to recognize and summarize order tracking information from confirmation emails sent by merchants or delivery services. This will enable users to view detailed order information and progress updates in one handy place.
This method taps into the ubiquitous nature of confirmation emails linked to online purchases, a tactic that seems apparent in hindsight but wasn’t feasible until now due to technological constraints.
#### AI Integration and Device Prerequisites
The revamped order tracking feature will leverage Apple Intelligence to extract vital details from emails, meaning that users will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to access this enhanced experience. If successful, this improvement could turn the Wallet application into a centralized hub for managing online purchases, simplifying order tracking for users.
#### Conclusion
The order tracking enhancement in iOS 26 marks a notable advancement for the Apple Wallet application, addressing a longstanding void in its functionality. As users look forward to this enhancement, it remains to be seen how well it will integrate with current merchant systems and enhance the overall user experience.
