A much-needed update is finally here for many Toronto transit riders, letting Presto card users transition from their physical card to a virtual version on their Apple Wallet.
As of Tuesday, July 16, iPhone and Apple Watch users in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area can now use the virtual Presto card as long as you have an iPhone 8 or later, iPhone SE, and Apple Watch Series 4 or later.
You’ll now be able to add funds to your Presto in the Apple wallet via the Presto app, or right within the wallet.
For riders who prefer to pay as they go rather than pre-loading funds, they can instead add their credit and debit cards to Apple Pay and just tap their iPhone or Apple Watch with Express Mode.
The update was long-awaited, and should make the transit experience more seamless and efficient than before. Android users have been able to use a virtual card since November 2023.
Unfortunately, Ottawa riders with a Presto will still have to wait, as it does not work in the nation’s capital yet.
Once you move your Presto account to a virtual card in your Apple wallet, the associated physical card will no longer work; however, you can keep your physical card working along with a virtual card by simply creating a second virtual Presto card within the Apple Wallet for free.