Apple is making a big change to its Wallet app with the release of iOS 27. For years, the company waited for developers and businesses to build native passes for things like tickets, memberships, and store cards. Now, instead of relying on third-party developers, Apple is giving users the power to create their own Wallet passes using any QR code. This shift could change how people use and think about digital passes on their iPhones.

New “Create a Pass” Feature in iOS 27

The highlight of iOS 27 is a new feature called “Create a Pass.” Discovered in early testing versions, this tool lets users turn any QR code into a Wallet pass. To access it, users tap the “+” button in the Wallet app or the section where they normally add credit cards. The interface prompts users to create passes for tickets, memberships, gift cards, and more.

Users can either build a pass from scratch or simply scan a QR code with their phone’s camera to import it. Apple provides three templates—standard in orange for general use, membership in blue for recurring access like gyms, and event in purple for concerts or movies. Each template comes with customization options for styles, images, colors, and text, giving users control over how their pass looks and what information it shows.

Bridging the Gap Between Businesses and Users

For years, Apple tried to encourage businesses to build native Wallet passes using PassKit, its framework introduced in 2012. Many small and mid-sized companies never adopted it because creating and maintaining passes required technical know-how, server setup, and ongoing updates. As a result, most QR codes for entry, loyalty, or tickets still live outside Wallet—often in standalone apps or as PDFs sent by email.

This fragmentation limited Wallet’s potential as a single, unified place for all digital passes. Apple’s new approach addresses this by empowering users to generate passes themselves. Instead of waiting for developers to adopt PassKit everywhere, Apple is enabling users to bridge the gap with minimal effort. This makes Wallet more useful and accessible, especially for smaller businesses that lack the resources to develop native passes.

By allowing users to wrap existing QR codes into curated templates, Apple is not opening Wallet to chaos. It maintains control over the design and structure, focusing on common use cases like tickets, memberships, and event passes. This structured method creates a smoother experience and encourages more widespread use of Wallet as a central hub for digital passes.

Implications and Future Outlook

This shift reflects a broader change in how digital wallets are evolving. Apple recognizes that relying solely on developer adoption has its limits. Instead, it’s turning to users—who have the power to generate and manage their passes—making Wallet more flexible and user-driven. This change could lead to increased adoption by small businesses and individuals, who can now create passes without technical barriers.

iOS 27 also includes other features, such as a revamped Siri powered partly by Google’s AI models, and better integration with Apple’s ecosystem. But the “Create a Pass” tool stands out as a move toward a more inclusive, user-centered wallet experience. It signals Apple’s willingness to adapt and innovate in the digital pass space, making it easier for everyone to participate.

Overall, this update could make Wallet a more versatile and valuable app, transforming it from a niche tool into a universal digital pass platform. As more users and small businesses start creating their own passes, Wallet may finally realize its full potential as a one-stop shop for digital identity and access management.

Inspired by

• https://thenextweb.com/news/apple-ios-27-wallet-custom-passes-create

Sources

• 9to5mac.com