Take a glance inside your wallet. You likely have at least one card that is rarely used except to display a barcode. This may be your library card, a gym membership, or a grocery rewards card. With iOS 27, Apple aims to minimize the number of physical cards you carry by allowing you to create digital passes in Apple Wallet from physical cards, photos, or screenshots. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel users have similar options, reducing the need for carrying plastic cards.
What’s New with Apple Wallet?
With iOS 27, Apple enables iPhone users to generate passes in Apple Wallet from physical cards if they contain barcodes or QR codes. This feature helps when the card lacks an “Add to Apple Wallet” button. If you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, you can create a pass from a photo or screenshot. The devices compatible with this feature include iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 or later models. Availability can depend on language and region, but Apple provides a manual creation method inside Wallet.
Creating an Apple Wallet Pass
First, ensure the barcode or QR code is clear. On a compatible iPhone running iOS 27 or later, Apple Intelligence can detect the code in a photo or screenshot and offer to create a Wallet pass.
- Capture a photo or screenshot of the barcode or QR code.
- When prompted, tap Add Pass to Wallet. In Photos, tap the Info button or swipe up to find this option.
- Follow the instructions on screen.
For a manual pass creation, use the steps below:
- Open the Wallet app, tap +, then Create a Pass.
- Select Create Pass Manually; choose a template.
- Edit the fields and tap Done when finished.
Editing Passes in Apple Wallet
Users can customize the appearance or details on passes they create.
- Open the Wallet app and select the desired pass.
- Tap More, then Edit Pass.
- Change the background or fields using the relevant buttons.
- Edit existing information as needed and tap Done.
Adding Cards to Samsung Wallet
Samsung Wallet also supports storing most membership cards with barcodes. Follow these steps for a Samsung device:
- Open Samsung Wallet and tap All then Memberships.
- Choose the method to add the card: Import from Gallery or Take a picture.
- Alternatively, enter membership information manually and follow instructions.
Once stored, the barcode will appear for scanning as needed.
Converting a Card on Google Wallet
For Google Pixel users, Google Wallet allows saving passes from images.
- Take or have a clear photo of the card with its barcode or QR code.
- Open Google Wallet, tap Add to Wallet, and select Photo then Manual.
- Select the photo, add details, and tap Add.
You can access the original photo through the pass options.
Card Suitability for Digital Passes
Cards used primarily for scanning barcodes or codes, like library cards and gym memberships, are suitable candidates for digitization. Always test the digital version before discarding the physical card, as some scanners may have difficulty with phone displays.
Non-Replaceable Cards
Some cards, such as driver’s licenses, credit cards, and secure workplace badges, require more than just a photo for replication. These sensitive credentials often need verification or have security requirements that photo-based passes cannot meet. Always use official apps or guidelines from organizations when possible.
Using digital wallets like Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, and Google Wallet can streamline the cards you carry. Consider which cards are necessary and which can transition to digital forms.
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