To use a card on your Apple Watch in 2026, you must first add it to the Wallet app via your iPhone. Once set up, the "tap" process is simple: double-click the side button to bring up your default card. If you wish to use a different card, just swipe through the options. Once the correct card is displayed, hold the display of your Apple Watch within a few centimeters of the contactless card reader. You will feel a gentle haptic "tap" on your wrist and hear a subtle beep, which confirms that your payment information has been sent. Your Watch does not need to be connected to your iPhone or the internet at the exact moment of the transaction for this to work, as the secure token is stored locally on the device's Secure Element.