I just got a new iphone 18 from 13. With the 13, I could side double click to view my wallet and download apps. I DO NOT WANT A CARD ASSOCIATED WITH MY PHONE. I didn't have a card on file with my old iphone 13 and double click side button worked fine to open wallet to view tickets and to download apps.
Adding a card to your Apple Account for downloading apps is completely different than adding a card to your Wallet, Review this Support Article for trouble with download apps from the App Store. There are reasons other than the payment method that will prevent you from downloading apps, such as Age Verification depending on your region, or a previous purchase that has not been processed and is now Pending.
If you can't download or update apps
Now the Wallet is a completely different matter. As Jeff Donald said, it is not a shortcut to opening the Wallet app, it is to choose a card for payment or use a pass/ticket that has been previously added after adding it to the Wallet by opening the app from a Home Screen.
Do you already have a ticket/pass to view by double clicking the side button. If you still need to add one, that will need to be done by opening the Wallet app from the Home Screen and tapping the "+" button. Not sure what you mean by downloading apps in the Wallet.
If you are having issues downloading an app from the Apple App Store you’ll need to have a payment method (credit or debit card) associated with your Apple Account (formerly known as Apple ID). Cards associated with your Apple Account will not be in the Wallet app.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201266
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-apple-pay-iph9b7f53382/ios
The side button does not open the Wallet app. It never has. Double clicking the side button initiates biometric authentication (Face ID). In other words you’re confirming you want to download the app and agree to Apple’s and the app developers terms & conditions. Once you’ve double clicked the download begins. In some countries, regions and US states age confirmation is required by law. This may be what you’re encountering.
These communities are not Apple Support. Apple and Apple Support do not participate in the communities here. They only moderate our posts to insure all user guidelines are followed in regard to content and user behavior. Your comments will not be reviewed by Apple. Everyone posting and commenting are fellow community members trying to assist one another.
You may want to review the articles I linked to so you have a better understanding of what’s required. If not, please contact Apple Support. If you’re in the US, please call 1-800-MY-APPLE, or outside the US, consult the support articles below. In Canada, call 1-800-263-3394.
Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
Side button is enabled in wallet settings but does not bring up wallet. When trying to download an app it asks me to verify with side button and that is not working-not trying to add app to wallet just trying to download app and there is no other option to download. Two separate issues with side button.
I didn't have a card associated with my old phone and app downloads and side button for wallet access worked fine. It is ridiculous that I HAVE to add a card to make my new phone work just to download a free app. Apple I am not happy with this.
iPhone 18 side button double-click for Wallet/App Store no card
