Titanium Apple Card shows signs of wear after just one month
With its sleek white finish, deep etchings and flush surfaces, Apple's titanium Apple Card is quite the looker. The card's durability is now question, however, as early customers report significant signs of wear after just one month.
What appears to be a dirty Apple Card is actually the product's white coating wearing away. | Source: Zed via Twitter
Apple first suggested that the white finish on physical Apple Card specimens -- achieved through a "multi-layer coating process" -- might be susceptible to scratches, nicks and discoloration in a Support Pages document published this week.
On Tuesday, the company posted an explainer covering proper methods of cleaning and maintaining the credit card, noting users should gently wipe its surface with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free microfiber cloth. Users with particularly dirty cards can take the additional step of wiping it (gently!) with a cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Needless to say, such steps are not typically provided by card issuers, including those who field titanium versions.
Additional notes of caution point out fabrics like leather and denim might permanently discolor the card's matte white finish. The coating could also be damaged if it comes in contact with hard surfaces or materials like keys.
After word of the support document spread, users who were part of Apple Card's preview program began to share their experiences online.
AppleInsider reader Zed shared photos of his card, which was reportedly kept in a leather wallet and used for about two months. In a tweet, the early adopter and former Apple employee said the card's white finish began to "come off" of its titanium base, leaving a once pristine surface disfigured with dark pockmarks.
One person, who has been using Apple Card on a daily basis since early June, said their copy showed signs of erosion after about a month. The white portion of the card started to wear away at the edges and above the magnetic stripe after being stored in a leather wallet alongside other cards, a practice Apple says is a no-no.
For now, the superficial issue appears to be just that, as users with cosmetically damaged cards report no difficulties with conducting transactions at point of sale terminals. Whether the apparent weathering will one day cause functional problems, especially in sensitive areas like the mag stripe, remains to be seen.
Still, the photos and testimony serve as a cautionary tale for those who want to keep their shiny new Apple product in immaculate condition.
Apple opened applications for Apple Card to U.S. customers on Tuesday. Wide availability arrived after month of internal testing and a weeks-long public "preview" period in which the company granted random users access to the service.
Apple's credit card solution features deep integration with Apple Pay, with a focus on touchless NFC-based transactions and heavy reliance on the Wallet app. With an ecosystem that lives wholly on iPhone, customers are urged to engage in digital purchases and at brick-and-mortar stores that support Apple Pay. As such, the titanium Apple Card can be considered more of a concession than a tentpole feature, one deemed necessary as Apple builds out its network of participating retailers.
What appears to be a dirty Apple Card is actually the product's white coating wearing away. | Source: Zed via Twitter
Apple first suggested that the white finish on physical Apple Card specimens -- achieved through a "multi-layer coating process" -- might be susceptible to scratches, nicks and discoloration in a Support Pages document published this week.
On Tuesday, the company posted an explainer covering proper methods of cleaning and maintaining the credit card, noting users should gently wipe its surface with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free microfiber cloth. Users with particularly dirty cards can take the additional step of wiping it (gently!) with a cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Needless to say, such steps are not typically provided by card issuers, including those who field titanium versions.
Additional notes of caution point out fabrics like leather and denim might permanently discolor the card's matte white finish. The coating could also be damaged if it comes in contact with hard surfaces or materials like keys.
After word of the support document spread, users who were part of Apple Card's preview program began to share their experiences online.
AppleInsider reader Zed shared photos of his card, which was reportedly kept in a leather wallet and used for about two months. In a tweet, the early adopter and former Apple employee said the card's white finish began to "come off" of its titanium base, leaving a once pristine surface disfigured with dark pockmarks.
One person, who has been using Apple Card on a daily basis since early June, said their copy showed signs of erosion after about a month. The white portion of the card started to wear away at the edges and above the magnetic stripe after being stored in a leather wallet alongside other cards, a practice Apple says is a no-no.
For now, the superficial issue appears to be just that, as users with cosmetically damaged cards report no difficulties with conducting transactions at point of sale terminals. Whether the apparent weathering will one day cause functional problems, especially in sensitive areas like the mag stripe, remains to be seen.
Still, the photos and testimony serve as a cautionary tale for those who want to keep their shiny new Apple product in immaculate condition.
Apple opened applications for Apple Card to U.S. customers on Tuesday. Wide availability arrived after month of internal testing and a weeks-long public "preview" period in which the company granted random users access to the service.
Apple's credit card solution features deep integration with Apple Pay, with a focus on touchless NFC-based transactions and heavy reliance on the Wallet app. With an ecosystem that lives wholly on iPhone, customers are urged to engage in digital purchases and at brick-and-mortar stores that support Apple Pay. As such, the titanium Apple Card can be considered more of a concession than a tentpole feature, one deemed necessary as Apple builds out its network of participating retailers.
Comments
So yes, unlike other credit cards, I would care that it stays schmick.
On topic, I think Apple is taking aesthetics too far! If they are going to base their products strictly on appearance, make sure that appearance is as reliable as their electronic devices.
That's the point. The titanium is not being worn. The coatings are being worn, and too quickly.
People carry credit cards in their wallets. So how am I suppose to carry this card if leather or other cards will discolor it???
Card should come with a case if its that delicate.
Every time I put my phone down the card makes contact with various surfaces.
Nether-the-less the white paint finish still looks perfect. The magnet strip has a few marks, like on any other card.
The white finish is extremely durable. According to Apple’s video, the finish is sprayed on before the Apple logo is laser de-bossed. Amazingly, the white finish is not discolored by a laser hot enough to vaporize titanium. I find this hard to believe.
If the card starts looking really scruffy over time it’s no big deal because Apple put a ‘send me a fresh new card’ button in the Wallet app.
I was waiting to see what card-gate the media could come up with, I expected to see not just scratch tests but also drop and bend tests.
But whatever happens it’s no big deal, just tap a button in the app and they send you a new card.
This ^ . lt doesn't bother me that Apple wanted this card to look eeeexxxtra special. But since they went to the trouble form is an integral part of their DNA, they should have done a better job, maybe using an epoxy based coating or something.
Hm. Maybe a repurposed, unused screen protector? Assuming the adhesive didn't discolor the card, too. But I wonder if the additional few mils of thickness would interfere with either the chip or sliding in the chip or slide slot.
Anyway it is just a card, and my major use would be online where Apple Pay isn't an option.
seriously people... that’s just sad.