Yesterday Starbucks released an update to their iPhone app. The app allows you to view and update info of your Starbucks cards, and since December it has allowed you to pay with your iPhone at 16 test stores. The test stores were mainly in Starbucks’ home town of Seattle, as well as San Francisco and a few other cities.

Apparently the test is going well. Yesterdays iPhone app update revealed 1019 total stores that accepted payments via iPhone. Most of which appeared to be in-store Target locations.

However, the update seems to have been in error, perhaps a little too early of a release. Today’s Starbucks iPhone update took the stores available back down to 16. Although there is still a note saying that the update allows for more stores which will be coming soon. I think the error is an indication that we’ll see this new functionally rolling out very soon, at least at Target stores.

Payment by iPhone is functionality that has the potential to be huge. Imagine a world where you no longer have to carry a wallet, but instead scan your phone for all gift card purchases, credit card purchases, airline boarding passes (already available with Delta), and maybe even your ID. The world is changing.