Apple is expanding the capabilities of Apple Wallet with new features designed to make digital payments, loyalty cards, travel, and everyday transactions more convenient. With the latest iOS 27 software updates, iPhone users can create digital passes from physical cards, access enhanced hotel keys, and benefit from an improved Apple Pay checkout experience.
Apple Wallet is more than a digital place to store payment cards. It can also hold eligible boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, membership passes, and compatible digital keys. The latest updates aim to make these items easier to create, organize, and use.
Create Digital Passes From Physical Cards
One of the most useful additions is the ability to create digital passes from physical cards.
Using a compatible iPhone, you can scan a barcode or QR code on a physical membership or loyalty card, or use a screenshot of a digital code, and add the resulting pass to Apple Wallet.
This can be useful for cards such as gym memberships, library cards, and loyalty programs that do not provide their own digital Wallet pass.
Once saved, the pass can be displayed on your iPhone or compatible Apple Watch when you need to present the barcode or QR code.
The feature requires a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone and the latest supported software. Not every barcode or QR code will work, particularly if the code changes periodically or expires.
Improved Apple Pay Checkout
Apple is also improving the Apple Pay checkout experience for purchases made in apps and on websites.
The updated interface is designed to make payment decisions easier by allowing users to switch between eligible cards and see more relevant payment information during checkout.
Depending on the supported card and service, Wallet may display information such as rewards balances, debit account balances, and available pay-later options.
These changes can make it easier to select a suitable payment method without repeatedly entering card or billing information.
The features available during checkout depend on the card issuer, participating merchant, payment service, and country or region.
New Hotel Key Features
Apple Wallet is also receiving an enhanced hotel key experience for participating hotels and resorts.
Digital hotel keys already allow guests to unlock compatible room doors and access selected hotel facilities using an iPhone or Apple Watch.
The enhanced experience is designed to bring more trip-related information together in Wallet, including updates about booked activities and services available during a stay.
Availability depends on participating hotel brands and their supported digital key systems, so this feature will not work at every hotel.
Apple Cash Bill Splitting
Another announced improvement uses Apple Intelligence to help users split restaurant bills with friends.
Users can scan a receipt or use a photo of a bill, select the items they purchased, and calculate their share of the total, including tax and tip. Eligible users can then settle the amount through Apple Cash.
This feature is designed to make sharing expenses easier after meals or group outings.
However, Apple Cash is available only in the United States, so this bill-splitting payment feature is not currently available to Indian users through Apple Cash.
Apple Wallet Features Available in India
Apple Wallet features vary by country. Some functions, such as storing compatible passes and using supported digital keys, depend on the relevant service providers. Payment features require an eligible card and a supported payment service.
Apple Pay launched in India on September 30, 2026. At launch, eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be added to Apple Wallet for use with Apple Pay.
Users can pay at supported contactless terminals and make purchases in participating apps and websites. Apple Watch is also supported for contactless payments, while Mac support was announced as coming soon at launch.
How to Add a Card to Apple Wallet
If you have an eligible Axis Bank credit card, adding it to Apple Wallet is straightforward.
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the plus (+) button.
- Follow the instructions to add your eligible credit card.
- Complete the bank’s verification process.
- Once approved, use Apple Pay at supported merchants.
You can also add an eligible card through the latest version of the Axis Bank app.
Security and Privacy
Apple Pay uses a device-specific account number and transaction security measures instead of sharing your actual card number with the merchant. The payment information is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element.
Apple also says that transaction information that can be tied back to an individual is not retained by Apple. If an iPhone is lost, users can use Find My to locate the device, lock it, or suspend payments.
These protections make Apple Pay a convenient alternative to repeatedly presenting a physical card, although users should still protect their devices and keep their software updated.
Final Thoughts
Apple Wallet is evolving from a digital card holder into a more useful tool for everyday payments, travel, and personal organization. Digital passes from physical cards, improved Apple Pay checkout, and enhanced hotel keys are among the notable additions associated with Apple’s latest software updates.
For Indian users, Apple Pay is now available with eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards on supported Apple devices. Other cards and regional features may have different availability.
Before relying on a new feature, check your device compatibility, card eligibility, and whether the relevant service is supported in your region.
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