Apple Wallet in iOS 26 - what you need to know
On September 9, 2025, Apple will unveil new products, and although it is not yet known exactly what will be released, it is clear that the new software versions for iPhones will also be launched soon after. With iOS 26, the new operating system software for iPhones, several new features are coming to Apple Wallet, which we will introduce to you below. In addition to new layouts for boarding passes, multi-event tickets, and order tracking, a few minor improvements have also been made - for example, links in Wallet cards now work even when you open the Wallet app from the lock screen.
What's new - Quick overview
- Clickable links on the back of cards are now available even when opening Wallet from the lock screen.
- The "•••" menu, which gives access to the back of cards, is now more visually prominent.
- Live Activities for boarding passes show flight updates and allow sharing of flight information.
- Interactive airport maps and baggage tracking via "Find My" are integrated.
- Multi-event tickets for seasons or series can be managed within a single card.
- Web and in-app identity verification is possible with "Verify with Wallet" (currently only in selected countries, mainly the USA).
- Digital IDs and US passports can be stored in Wallet.
- Credit cards can be added and used for online shopping even if the card does not support Apple Pay.
- There is also AI-powered order tracking from Mail, as well as Apple Pay installment payments and rewards.
Clickable Links on the Back of Cards from the Lock Screen
It’s actually a small detail, but it has been a frequent reason for support requests from Passcreator customers: if you opened Wallet using the side button on an iPhone and then clicked a link on the back of a card, nothing happened until now. This behavior has now been changed so that the browser on the iPhone opens as expected and the links work - a small change with a big impact!
Better Visibility of the "•••" Menu
Thanks to the new Liquid Glass design in iOS 26, the visibility of some UI elements has been improved. This also applies to the "•••" icon in the top right corner, which is used to show the back of Apple Wallet passes. Even though Wallet passes have become mainstream, it’s still a challenge to make users aware of the back side of cards. With iOS 26, this will improve, as the relevant buttons are now more prominently visible. A step in the right direction!
Live Activities and New Layouts for Boarding Passes
Boarding passes are getting a comprehensive upgrade: Live Activities display gate changes, boarding times, or delays directly on the lock screen. A "Share" button allows you to send the Live Activity via iMessage to companions. New buttons lead to interactive airport maps and open "Find My" for baggage trackers. For airlines and travel brands, this means higher customer satisfaction, reduced service inquiries, and ideal touchpoints for upsell offers like lounge access. Links for booking upgrades and more can also be included.
Multi-Event Tickets
With the new upcomingPassInformation array, entire series like festivals, sports seasons, or subscription events can be represented in a single Wallet pass. Each sub-event has its own artwork, date, and URL. The repeated visibility in Wallet ensures constant brand presence and enables targeted reminder pushes before each event. This feature is only available for Enhanced Event Tickets, which were introduced with iOS 18.
Verify with Wallet & Digital IDs
Apple is opening Wallet IDs for web and app flows: websites can carry out age or identity checks via QR scan, without document upload. In selected regions, US passports or driver’s licenses can be stored digitally. For businesses, this offers opportunities for faster KYC processes, lower fraud rates, and a seamless customer experience for age or access checks. Combined with the introduction of EUDI wallets in the EU in 2026, these innovations will lead to significantly simpler processes for companies and users.
Payment and Loyalty Innovations
Wallet now displays complete card data (PAN, CVV) and offers AutoFill in apps and on websites. This means that cards that do not actually support Apple Pay can still be stored in Apple Wallet and used in apps and websites. At the same time, Apple Pay introduces optional installment payments and reward redemption directly in the payment dialog. The result is fewer abandoned purchases, higher cart value, and new incentives for loyalty programs.
AI-Powered Order Tracking
On-device intelligence scans Mail for shipping emails, summarizes tracking information, and lists it in Wallet. Merchant passes benefit because customers regularly open the pass - ideal for after-sales campaigns.
Table: Wallet Features Before iOS 26 vs. iOS 26
| Feature | Status Before iOS 26 | New Status in iOS 26 | Benefit for Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding Pass Template | Standard layout since 2012 | Live Activities, airport maps, baggage tracking, visual updates | Real-time communication & upselling (e.g., upgrades) |
| Event Tickets | First version of "Enhanced Tickets" | Multiple tickets in one pass possible | Support for season tickets, subscriptions, etc. |
| Order Tracking | Not available | AI analysis of emails, tracking overview | Fewer "Where is my order?" tickets |
| Apple Pay In-Store | Standard payment | Installments & rewards in checkout | Higher revenue, loyalty boost |
| Digital IDs | Limited availability | US passports/driver’s licenses in Wallet | Fast age/ID checks online & in-person (where supported) |
Practical Impact for Passcreator Customers
If your company creates NFC tickets with Passcreator or you issue boarding passes as an airline, you’ll get a whole range of new features! Even if you don’t use NFC cards, you’ll still benefit from some of the new features, leading to a smoother experience for your customers.