Remember when your wallet was just for cash and cards? Well, Apple is pushing the idea that it can be so much more. With the new iOS 26, the Wallet app isn’t just getting a fresh coat of paint with the ‘Liquid Glass’ design; it’s getting a major upgrade in how we manage our digital lives.
The Wallet app has come a long way. It first appeared in 2012 with iOS 6, called Passbook. Then, with iOS 9 in 2015, it became “Wallet” and added Apple Pay. Now, it’s set to become even more central to how we move through our day.
Travel Smarter, Not Harder
For frequent flyers, Wallet is set to become an even more powerful travel buddy. Digital boarding passes have been a staple for years. With iOS 26, they’re getting some seriously cool new tricks that aim to make airport navigation a breeze.
- Get real-time updates with Live Activities.
- See detailed airport maps right in the app.
- Track your luggage using the Find My app integration.
Imagine sharing flight updates with family members directly from your boarding pass via Live Activities. This feature could offer a smoother, more informed journey if enough airlines get on board. It promises to make things easier from check-in to baggage claim.
Beyond boarding passes, Wallet is taking a big step into digital identity. iOS 26 introduces support for US passports. While digital IDs have been slowly rolling out by state, adding your passport is a major leap. Apple states you can use it for identification at TSA checkpoints, within apps, and in person. Always double-check airport-specific rules before relying solely on your digital ID.
Smart Shopping and Payments
Ever ordered something online and then struggled to keep track of its journey? Wallet tried to help with package tracking in iOS 16, but it needed companies to sign up. That didn’t quite take off. Now, with Apple Intelligence, the story changes. The Wallet app can pull shipping details directly from your emails. This means all your order updates, from full details to progress notifications, live in one central spot. Your iPhone’s AI automatically sifts through your inbox, no external support needed.
Keeping track of your credit card details often meant using a separate password manager. While Apple’s own Passwords app, launched last year, didn’t offer this, the Wallet app in iOS 26 now steps up. You can store full card numbers, expiry dates, and more. Even though Apple Pay usually only shows the last four digits, you now have the option to keep all the information right there in Wallet.
When you pay in person with Apple Pay, iOS 26 will also offer more options. You might see the chance to pay in installments through partners like Affirm, for example. Plus, you’ll be able to easily see and use rewards linked to the Apple Pay card you’re using. These choices will pop up during the new Apple Pay checkout process.
More Control for You
After some recent chatter about unwanted promotional notifications, like one for the ‘F1 The Movie,’ Apple has quietly added a new setting. While they didn’t make a big announcement, iOS 26 lets you turn off these ads. Dive into the Wallet app’s notification settings, and you’ll find a new “Offers and Promotions” category. You can toggle it on or off as you wish, giving users more control over what shows up on their screen.
The Wallet’s Growing Influence
Apple Pay has become a staple for many iPhone users. Over the years, the Wallet app has quietly grown into a powerful tool. These new features in iOS 26 show Apple is paying close attention. They are truly transforming Wallet into a crucial hub for much more than just quick payments.
Source: Apple