Many of us have plastic cards in our wallets that display little more than a barcode, such as library cards or gym memberships. Until now, transferring those cards to an iPhone often depended on whether the organization offered a digital pass. With iOS 27, Apple is changing that. The latest iPhone software allows you to create digital passes in Apple Wallet from a physical card, photo, or screenshot. Similar options exist for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners, enabling you to leave more plastic cards at home.
Turning Membership Cards into Digital Passes
Apple’s iOS 27 lets iPhone users transform physical membership cards with barcodes or QR codes into digital passes on Apple Wallet. This removes the need to carry some plastic cards.
Now, iPhone users have an option to create their own passes in Wallet. This is useful for cards with barcodes or QR codes where the organization doesn’t provide an “Add to Apple Wallet” feature. Notable examples include library and gym cards.
Creating a Wallet Pass on iPhone
To create a pass on an iPhone using iOS 27, ensure a clear photo of the barcode or QR code is available. Apple Intelligence on supported devices can recognize and offer to add it to Wallet. Supported models include iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 and beyond. Availability might differ based on language and region. Alternatively, you can create a pass manually in the Wallet app.
Steps to Create a Pass from a Photo
- Take a clear photo or screenshot of the card with a visible barcode or QR code.
- On your iPhone, the Add Pass to Wallet option should appear. Follow the instructions.
- After creation, you can view the original image used.
Manually Creating a Pass
- Open the Wallet app.
- Tap the + button and select Create a Pass.
- Select Create Pass Manually and choose a template.
- Enter or edit the information as needed.
- Tap Done when finished.
Editing a Created Pass
You can customize passes by changing appearance or details. Add or remove fields to suit preferences.
Options for Samsung and Google Users
Samsung Wallet
Samsung Galaxy users can store almost any membership card with a barcode in Samsung Wallet. Follow these steps:
- Open Samsung Wallet and tap All, then Memberships.
- Add a card via Import from Gallery or Take a picture for scanning.
- Enter membership details manually if necessary.
Google Wallet on Pixel
Pixel users can save passes from images containing barcodes or QR codes in Google Wallet.
- Photograph the card with a clear barcode or QR code.
- Open Google Wallet, tap Add to Wallet, then Photo.
- Select the photo and add a name or description before adding it.
Considerations for Digital Passes
Start with cards primarily using barcodes or QR codes such as library cards and memberships. Digital passes cannot replace official documents like driver’s licenses or credit cards. Verified digital credentials require issuer authentication.
While smartphones now simplify managing cards, retaining the physical card sometimes remains necessary. Some scanners may not read phone displays, or organizations might insist on the original.
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
iOS 27 introduces valuable features that allow more control over digital passes, challenging previous limitations. Samsung and Google offer similar capabilities. Begin by digitizing low-risk cards and enjoy reduced wallet bulk, keeping in mind the differing nature of photo-based and official digital passes.
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