New iOS Update Allows iPhones to Turn Physical Cards into Digital Wallet Passes

Apple's iOS 27 update introduces a new feature allowing iPhone users to convert physical membership cards into digital passes within Apple Wallet. This functionality extends to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel users as well, offering a way to reduce the number of plastic cards carried.

Creating Digital Passes on iPhone

With iOS 27, iPhone users can now create custom passes in Wallet from a physical card, a photo, or a screenshot, provided the card features a scannable barcode or QR code. This feature is particularly useful for items like library cards or gym memberships, for which organizations may not have previously offered an official "Add to Apple Wallet" option. If an iPhone is equipped with Apple Intelligence, it can recognize barcodes and QR codes within images and prompt the user to add them to Wallet.

To create a pass from a photo or screenshot on a compatible iPhone running iOS 27 or later:

• Capture a photo or screenshot that clearly displays the barcode or QR code.
• When the "Add Pass to Wallet" option appears, tap it. In the Photos app, this option can be found by tapping the Info button or swiping up.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Apple also provides a manual method for creating passes directly within the Wallet app. Users can tap the '+' button, select 'Create a Pass,' then choose 'Create Pass Manually.' From there, users can select a template and fill in the necessary information.

Users can edit passes they have created by opening the Wallet app, tapping the desired pass, selecting 'More,' and then 'Edit Pass.' This allows for changes to appearance, colors, and the addition or removal of fields.

Digital Passes on Samsung and Google Devices

Samsung Galaxy owners can utilize Samsung Wallet for a similar function. The app supports adding almost any membership card with a barcode. Users can import existing photos from their gallery or take a new picture to scan the code. Manual entry is also an option.

On Google Pixel devices, Google Wallet can save passes from images containing barcodes or QR codes. To add a card to Google Wallet:

• Take a clear photo of the card.
• Open Google Wallet and tap 'Add to Wallet.'
• Select 'Photo,' then 'Manual,' and choose the photo from the library.
• Add a name and description for the pass, then tap 'Add.'

Google Wallet also offers an 'Everything else' option under 'Add to Wallet' for creating passes from photos, allowing users to review and edit detected information before adding.

Best Candidates and Limitations

These digital pass features are most suitable for cards that primarily rely on scanning a static barcode or QR code, such as library cards, gym memberships, and store loyalty cards. Parking passes and other simple credentials may also work.

It is important to note that this feature does not enable the creation of official digital credentials for sensitive items like driver's licenses, credit cards, or secure workplace badges. Some digital credentials require verification from the issuing organization, and payment cards have specific security requirements. Additionally, event tickets with dynamic or refreshing barcodes may not be reliably replicated by screenshots.

When an official "Add to Apple Wallet," "Add to Google Wallet," or "Samsung Wallet" option is provided by the issuer, it is recommended to use that method instead.