PayPal refreshed with iOS 7 design, bar code payments, Wallet improvements and more

PayPal 5.2 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 001)PayPal 5.2 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 002)

PayPal has long had a nice albeit somewhat limited iPhone application available in the App Store. Back in September, they gave the software a much-needed redesign while expanding on feature set with useful new capability like the ability to pay at local shops, save offers and order ahead, to name a few.

Today, the team followed up with another feature-laden update. PayPal 5.2 for iPhone does away with skeuomorphism in favor for a much cleaner look that fits nicely into the overall iOS 7 aesthetics. More importantly, you are now free to withdraw cash, pay using QR codes and more…

First up, the new iOS 7 style app icon.

PayPal 5.2 for iOS (app icon, small)

Most of my international transactions are handled by PayPal so I was pleased to learn that the latest build lets me withdraw cash from my PayPal balance to a bank account. Previously, I had to visit the PayPal interface on the web to withdraw funds.

In addition to just way sleeker and nicer appearance, customers can now scan a QR or bar code to pay at select merchants, making mobile payments even easier and frictionless. Finally, a new option allows you pick among a few start screen templates, each optimized for the specific types of information.

PayPal 5.2 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 004)PayPal 5.2 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 003)

Just to give you a feel of the scope of redesign, this is what the app used to look like:

PayPal 4.5 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 001)PayPal 4.5 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 002)

Horrible, no?

Your changelog for PayPal version 5.2:

• Need to withdraw some cash from your PayPal balance to your bank? You can do that in your Wallet
• Check out our new iOS7 look and feel
• Paying just got even easier! Scan a QR or bar code to pay at select merchants
• Choose your start screen for fast access to the info you need
• We’re still hard at work finding and fixing bugs

PayPal is available free in the App Store.

The download weighs in at 26MB, requires iOS 6 or later and unfortunately still lacks the native iPad UI.