iPhone users are complaining en masse about an unexpected notification that came from the Apple Wallet app. The message was promoting a discount on movie tickets to the film Formula 1, Apple’s new original project. The advertising mailing caused a storm of reactions on forums and social networks, including Reddit and X.
The way the ads were delivered caused particular outrage, since Wallet is traditionally perceived as a tool for storing bank cards and tickets, and not as an advertising platform. Many users noted that they cannot simply turn off notifications for this app without losing access to important functions. Some compared what is happening to the “imposed” U2 album that Apple added to iTunes media libraries without users’ consent.
The outrage was compounded by the fact that Apple’s actions contradict its own rules: the company requires third-party developers not to use push notifications for advertising without the user’s explicit consent. However, in this case, users claim they did not sign up to receive such notifications.
The new iOS 26, which is still in beta, already has a switch to turn off “Deals and Promotions” in the Wallet app. But users of stable versions of the system are still deprived of this option. Therefore, there is growing concern that such notifications may become regular.