Wallet Upgrade: iPhones, Galaxies, Pixels Get Smarter

Apple's iOS 27 introduces a significant enhancement to Apple Wallet, allowing users to create their own digital passes. This feature is particularly useful for membership or loyalty cards that feature a barcode or QR code but lack an official "Add to Apple Wallet" option. Users can now generate a pass from a photo or screenshot containing the necessary code, with Apple Intelligence recognizing and processing it. Supported iPhones include models from the iPhone 15 Pro and later, with availability depending on language and region. A manual pass creation option within Wallet is also provided.

Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel users benefit from similar functionalities. Samsung Wallet allows users to import or photograph membership cards with barcodes, offering options for gallery import, new photos, or manual entry. Google Wallet on Pixel devices can also save passes from images containing barcodes or QR codes, supporting items like library, gym, and parking passes. Both platforms enable users to add a name and description to these digitized cards.

While these new features expand the utility of digital wallets, users are cautioned against assuming all cards can be digitized. Sensitive credentials like driver's licenses, credit cards, or secure workplace badges should not be digitized this way. Furthermore, some event tickets utilize dynamic barcodes that refresh, making static screenshots unusable. For security and compatibility, it is always recommended to use official "Add to Wallet" options when provided by the issuer.