Apple iPhone’s Wallet App to Expand Functionality with iOS 27 Update
Apple is set to overhaul its Wallet app with iOS 27, adding a “Create a Pass” function that lets users turn any QR code into a digital card. That means gym memberships, parking passes, and event tickets that never made the Wallet cut can now live alongside airline boarding passes and credit cards. The details surfaced in a new report from Notebookcheck, citing Bloomberg’s sources familiar with Apple’s plans.
The update, expected to land with iOS 27’s public rollout in the fall, blows open the Wallet app’s notoriously strict gatekeeping. Until now, third-party developers needed to support Apple’s PassKit API, and users were stuck with limited categories—think concert tickets from Ticketmaster or Starbucks loyalty cards, but not the local car wash’s QR code. The new feature flips that script: scan a QR code, convert it instantly, and store it in Wallet.
Apple hasn’t publicly confirmed the move, but its timing aligns with the company’s usual iOS beta cycle. Developers could get their hands on the new Wallet as early as this summer, with a broader release likely in September.
How the Enhanced Wallet App Will Transform iPhone User Experience
This shift changes the stakes for iPhone users. Instead of juggling screenshots, emails, or third-party apps, the Wallet app becomes a one-stop hub for nearly any scannable pass. That means faster check-ins at venues, fewer frantic searches through photo galleries, and more seamless use of digital credentials.
Event organizers, airlines, and transit systems have pushed for years to have their passes integrated natively with Apple Wallet. But niche events, regional loyalty programs, and smaller merchants often got left out due to technical or contractual hurdles. The “Create a Pass” feature wipes out those barriers—if it has a QR code, it now has a place in Wallet.
Contrast this with current limitations: Google Wallet, for example, already supports importing generic passes via images or PDFs in select markets, but Apple has historically kept a tighter grip. The new approach narrows that gap and could push competitors to further open their systems. In 2023, Apple Wallet handled roughly 3 billion tickets and passes globally, according to analyst estimates. Expanding supported formats could send that number even higher, especially as QR codes dominate everything from vaccine records to museum admissions.
Security remains a central concern. Apple’s on-device encryption means QR codes added to Wallet stay private, and the company’s privacy-first marketing suggests any new features will retain that stance. However, the universal QR support raises flags: malicious or spoofed QR codes could theoretically find their way in, especially if users add passes outside official channels. Expect Apple to emphasize user education and possibly add security prompts during the “Create a Pass” process.
Loyalty programs and travel apps may need to rethink their strategies. Why push users to download and maintain a standalone app when a QR code in Wallet now does the job? For airlines, event promoters, and retailers, the update could mean faster adoption of mobile credentials—if they can keep up with Apple’s pace.
What to Expect Next: iOS 27 Launch and Future Wallet App Developments
iOS 27 is likely to enter developer beta in June, following Apple’s typical WWDC timeline. Public beta testers should see the Wallet overhaul by July, with the full release expected in September—right on schedule for the next iPhone launch. Developers will be watching closely: expanded Wallet functionality could open the door to new integrations, such as instant ticketing through third-party apps or direct links from email confirmations to Wallet passes.
The ability to import any QR code could also spark a wave of innovation among app makers. Expect to see travel, event, and loyalty apps updating quickly to support direct Wallet integration—or risk becoming obsolete. For users, the main prep is simple: update to iOS 27, and start scanning.
Industry watchers should keep an eye on how Apple handles verification and anti-fraud measures. Will the company introduce a review process for certain types of passes or rely on user discretion? If the rollout goes smoothly, Apple could expand beyond QR codes—think NFC tags, barcodes, or even digital IDs in more regions.
The real test will be whether Apple can maintain its reputation for simplicity and privacy at this broader scale. If it succeeds, the Wallet app could become the default way millions manage not just payments, but access, identity, and loyalty—leaving competitors scrambling to catch up.
Why It Matters
- Apple's Wallet app will let users convert any QR code into a digital pass, expanding its usability beyond major brands.
- The update removes technical barriers for smaller merchants and event organizers, making digital passes accessible to more businesses.
- iPhone users will benefit from streamlined access to tickets, memberships, and credentials, reducing reliance on screenshots and third-party apps.
