Apple Wallet Pass Updates and Push Notifications: How They Work and How to Use Them

🔄 How Do Apple Wallet Pass Updates Work?
Apple Wallet passes are not static – once installed on a user’s device, they can be updated dynamically to reflect changes such as new event details, loyalty point balances, membership status, or special offers.
The Pass Update Process
When a pass is updated, the provider modifies its data and notifies Apple’s Push Notification Service (APNs). APNs then alerts the user’s device, prompting Apple Wallet to request and download the latest pass version from the provider’s webServiceUrl. If a change message is included, the user receives a push notification. Otherwise, the update happens silently in the background. If multiple fields with change messages are updated, Wallet summarizes them with a general “Pass was changed” notification, which may vary depending on the pass type. Here's an overview of the steps involved:
1. Update Triggered
A pass provider (e.g., Passcreator) modifies the pass data, such as changing a balance, expiration date, or ticket details.
2. Call to Apple’s Push Notification Service (APNs)
The provider then sends a request to Apple Push Notification Service (APNs), informing Apple that the pass has changed and should be updated.
3. Device Receives Update Notification
APNs pushes a message to the user’s iPhone or Apple Watch, telling Apple Wallet that an update is available.
4. Wallet Requests the Latest Pass Data
Upon receiving this notification, Apple Wallet contacts the pass provider’s webServiceUrl (defined in the pass) to fetch the latest pass version. The updated pass is then downloaded and displayed.
5. User Notification (If Applicable)
- If the update modifies a field that contains a change message, Apple Wallet displays a push notification to alert the user.
- If no change message is provided, the update is applied silently in the background without any visible notification.
- If multiple fields have changed and contain a change message, the notification will be summarized and only show "Pass was changed". The message may differ based on the pass type you're using.
💡 Example Use Cases
- A boarding pass updates automatically when the gate number changes.
- A loyalty card reflects the latest points balance.
- A coupon updates with a new discount.
- A membership card extends its expiration date.
For a more detailed technical breakdown, check Apple’s official documentation:
📢 How Do Wallet Pass Notifications Differ from App Push Notifications?
Feature | Wallet Pass Updates | Traditional App Push Notifications |
---|---|---|
Requires an additional App? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Triggered by Provider? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Updates Content Automatically? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Notification Display | 🔔 Only if a change message is present | 🔔 Always visible |
Works Across Devices? | ✅ Yes (Apple Wallet) | ❌ No, only within the app |
Key Differences:
Unlike traditional push notifications, which are sent independently by an app, Wallet pass updates are directly linked to the pass itself. Users only receive a visible notification if the update includes a change message – otherwise, the pass refreshes silently in the background. Since Apple Wallet manages the entire process, there’s no need for a separate app, making Wallet passes a seamless and user-friendly way to keep users informed.

🚀 How Passcreator Simplifies Wallet Pass Updates
Managing Wallet pass updates efficiently requires a scalable, easy-to-use solution – and that’s exactly what Passcreator offers.
✅ Why Use Passcreator for Push Notifications?
- Wallet App Agnostic → Works with Apple Wallet and other supported Wallet apps.
- No Coding Required → Our user-friendly UI lets you send updates in just a few clicks.
- Developer-Friendly API → Automate updates and integrate notifications into your existing systems.
- Scalable & Secure → Supports large-scale campaigns with robust infrastructure.
With Passcreator, you can automate and manage pass updates effortlessly – whether you’re updating a single pass or thousands.
Explore how you can integrate Wallet pass updates into your workflow:
📌 Check out Passcreator’s API documentation.
🔚 Conclusion
Apple Wallet pass updates via push notifications provide an efficient, app-free way to keep users informed in real time. Unlike traditional app push notifications, Wallet pass updates happen automatically, ensuring that users always have the latest information without requiring extra effort. With Passcreator, businesses can simplify and automate Wallet pass updates through an easy-to-use UI or a developer-friendly API. Whether you’re sending updates manually or integrating them into your CRM or POS system, Passcreator makes it easy to keep your passes up to date.
Ready to leverage Wallet pass updates for your business?