Other names | Passbook (2012–2015) |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Apple Inc. |
Operating system | iOS watchOS |
Service name | Apple Wallet (or Wallet for short) |
Type | Digital wallet app |
Website | www |
Apple Wallet (or simply Wallet, known as Passbook prior to iOS 9) is a digital wallet developed by Apple Inc. and included with iOS and watchOS that allows users to store Wallet passes such as coupons, boarding passes, student ID cards, government ID cards, business credentials, resort passes, car keys, home keys, event tickets, public transportation passes, store cards, and – starting with iOS 8.1 – credit cards, and debit cards for use via Apple Pay. [1]
Apple Passbook was announced at the 2012 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference on June 11, 2012, and released with iOS 6 on September 19, 2012. [2] It was renamed "Apple Wallet" with the release of iOS 9 on September 16, 2015. [3] [4]
Wallet displays Aztec, PDF417, and QR 2D barcodes and Code 128 1D barcodes beginning with iOS 9. [5] Each digital coupon or ticket is known as a "pass". [6] When the user launches Wallet for the first time, a brief introduction screen appears with a button inviting users to browse apps on the App Store with Wallet integration. Passes can also be distributed online via Safari, sent to the user via email, or scanned using the built-in scanner in Wallet.
Passes are synced between iOS devices using iCloud, and OS X 10.8.2 and later also support opening passes to be sent to users' iOS devices. Although the app is available in iOS 6 or later, it is only available on iPhone and iPod Touch, but not on iPad. [7]
Since iOS 16, Wallet has also included the ability to track package deliveries for Apple Pay purchases from selected retailers, providing order details and shipping estimations as well as notifications for order arrivals or updates. [8]
Wallet has the following features:
The first form of Express Mode came under the name "Express Transit" in iOS 12.3. Since then, supported payment cards, as well as some stored-value transport cards (such as Octopus or Suica) could be used to pay for journeys on certain public transport networks without requiring the user to authenticate the payment with Touch ID or Face ID, or even needing to wake the device. [12] Once a supported payment or transit card is selected as a user's Express Transit card, one can simply hold their device near the card reader to authorize payment for the journey.
Since the initial functionality launched, Express Mode has expanded along with the number of card schemes Wallet supports. As of 2023, [update] home keys, transit cards, access badges, campus IDs, hotel keys, and car keys are supported types of cards that can be used with Express Mode. However, Apple limits some passes if they are the same type or from the same issuer from being used with Express Mode. For example, a user can only have one campus ID and one car key each set to Express Mode. This can be mitigated in a sense by using an Apple Watch to split the Express Mode passes between multiple devices. Some cards support grouping to help ease the space that could be taken in the device's secure element. For instance, if a user has multiple home keys linked to Apple Home or multiple hotel rooms at a supported resort, all locks will be valid with a singular pass. [13]
On iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, Express Mode cards can be used up to five hours via power reserve after the device has powered off due to a drained battery. A low-battery icon will display with "Express Cards Available" text appearing at the bottom of the display, letting users know that Express Mode-enabled cards are still available for usage. Payment cards are only available via power reserve when used for transit transactions. Power reserve functionality is not available for any Apple Watch model as of 2023. [14]
Passes exist in a larger ecosystem, because passes are created as a package. The package is a pass template, that is created with a pass signer, along with relevant data and a private key. Passes can be updated at any time using the PassKit API and an iOS app can interact directly with passes stored in Wallet.
Passes are presented and managed by Wallet. Systems and apps interact with passes via the PassKit API. [15]
In its simplest form, an interaction (or transaction) between a pass and a system is facilitated by a 2D barcode or the modern QR code although it requires the customer to initiate the activity.
In late 2014, the first known implementations utilizing the iBeacon wireless Geo-fence started to appear in retail locations in the US. The iBeacon solutions allowed the retailer to broadcast an unsolicited lock-screen notice onto smartphones within Bluetooth range. [16]
In 2015, Apple incorporated the ability to present a loyalty card in Wallet to a Payment terminal via NFC. [17] Walgreens enabled this first with their Balance Rewards loyalty program; customers can add their card to Wallet through the Walgreens or Duane Reade mobile apps and tap their device to the terminal when prompted for their rewards card.
In 2016, Apple released the iPhone 7, along with Apple Pay support in Japan. This included IC e-cards like Suica to also be added digitally onto Apple Wallet. These cards work like a normal IC card, just on the iPhone, and Apple Wallet users can make normal transactions with their IC card using their iPhone, using the FeliCa NFC contactless technology to operate. Apple Wallet users can also reload their IC card just from their device using a debit or credit card added to Apple Wallet. To get a Suica, you could buy one digitally from Apple Wallet, or get a physical one from a JR East station and transfer the card balance to an iPhone. Japan's second main IC card, PASMO, would also be released later in 2020 with support with Apple Wallet. [18] [19]
In 2018, support was added for contactless Campus card for select universities. Such credentials operate in a similar manner to physical RFID cards in that they can be tapped to supported readers. [20] The power reserve feature on select iPhones and Apple Watches allows for continued use of the card even when the battery is depleted as long as Express Mode is enabled. [21]
In 2020, car keys were made available for the Apple Wallet, beginning with supported BMW vehicles. Such keys can be shared with friends and family, and permissions can be set per member, such as how fast they can go and whether or not some vehicle-specific features can be enabled/disabled or not. Such passes can also operate over UWB in addition to NFC. [22]
In 2021, Apple announced the ability to store government-issued ID cards, resort passes, home keys, and business credentials in Wallet. As of February 2023, three U.S. States offer the ability to store a IDUS within the wallet app, those being Maryland, Arizona, and Colorado. [23]
In 2022, Apple announced a new feature to track your Apple Pay orders in Wallet. [24]
Apple Account is a stored value gift card that is issued and managed within Wallet. Users can add balances from iTunes and Apple gift cards for use in physical Apple Stores via Apple Pay or online across Apple's various services and online shop. Available only in the United States and Japan. [25] [26]
Apple Card is an Apple-branded credit card that is issued and managed within Wallet. The service is provided by Goldman Sachs in association with Apple. Users can receive "Daily Cash" when shopping at certain retailers. A digital card is available to be added to Apple Pay for wherever Mastercard cards are accepted online or in-store. A physical card is also available, though it notably lacks an NFC antenna. Available only in the United States. [27]
In November 2023, it was revealed that Goldman Sachs would cease to be Apple's financial partner in the venture within the next 18 months. [28]
Goldman Sachs also offers a savings account to Apple Card holders, with a maximum annual percentage yield of 4.15%. A savings account is not required to utilize Apple Card. [29]
Apple Cash is a P2P payment service within Wallet. The service is provided by Green Dot Bank in association with Apple. Users can send and receive funds with others through the Wallet or Messages apps on iOS, watchOS, iPadOS, or macOS. A digital card is available to be added to Apple Pay for wherever Visa cards are accepted online or in-store. At launch, this service operated over the Discover Debit network, but has since switched to Visa Debit. Available only in the United States. [30]
Apple Pay is a service within Wallet that allows for payments with select banks and card networks. Currently available in 83 nations. [31]
Apple Pay Later is a buy now, pay later service within Wallet. It is thus far the only Apple-branded financial service that is run entirely by Apple itself, with Apple Financing being the subsidiary responsible for credit assessment and lending. A digital card is available to be added to Apple Pay for wherever Mastercard cards are accepted online or in-store. Available only in the United States. [32]
The Apple Wallet app is preinstalled on most iPhone and Apple Watch models worldwide, and developers from any country where Apple Developer resources are available can develop passes for Wallet. This is different from Apple Pay, which resides within Wallet, which currently has limited availability to a smaller selection of nations.
These features in Wallet are locked behind a specific region setting of an iOS/watchOS device. [33]
Feature | Country |
---|---|
E-Money (WAON, nanaco) | Japan [34] |
Apple Card Family | United States [35] |
Apple Cash Family | |
USA State IDs |
These programs are conveyed through NFC via Apple Wallet's VAS protocol. Programs that support One Tap are conveyed at the same time as a payment card stored in Apple Wallet. Conversely, Two Tap programs are redeemed in a sequential manner, where a loyalty pass is scanned first, and then the payment can be presented. [36]
Country | Retailer | One Tap/Two Tap |
---|---|---|
Australia | Dan Murphy's My Dan's [37] | |
Woolworths' Everyday Rewards [38] | Two Tap | |
France | Carrefour's Carrefour Card [39] | One Tap & Two Tap |
Ireland | Nando's Nando Card [40] | Two Tap |
Japan | d Point [ ja ] [41] | One Tap & Two Tap |
Ponta [ ja ] [42] | One Tap & Two Tap | |
United Kingdom | Nando's Nando Card [43] | Two Tap |
Texaco's Star Rewards | Two Tap | |
United States | CAVA's CAVA Rewards [44] | One Tap |
Coca-Cola's Vending Pass [45] | One Tap | |
Dave & Buster's Power Card [46] | Two Tap | |
Jimmy John's Freaky Fast Rewards [47] | One Tap | |
Maverik's Adventure Club [48] | One Tap | |
Panera Bread's MyPanera [49] | One Tap | |
Quiznos' Toasty Points [50] | One Tap | |
Redbox's Redbox Perks [51] | Two Tap | |
Salsarita's Salsarita Rewards [52] | One Tap | |
Walgreens' myWalgreens [53] | Two Tap | |
Yogurtland's Real Rewards [54] | One Tap |
For public transport systems where payment cards can be used & Express Mode is supported, passengers can travel with Apple Pay without authenticating each transaction. Transit cards that support direct provisioning can be issued within the Apple Wallet app itself, without needing to download a separate third-party application. Express Transit/Travel mode is available in the following places: [55] [56]
Country/Region | Scenario | Direct provisioning | Fare Payment Method(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Australia | All stations and buses of Transport for NSW | Payment cards | |
Belarus | All stations of Minsk Metro | Payment cards | |
Mainland China [57] | All forms of transit and stores that accept Beijing Transit cards | Beijing Transit Card [note 1] | |
All forms of transit that accept Shanghai Transit cards and selected forms of transit that accept China City Union [ zh ] cards | Shanghai Transit Card [note 1] | ||
All forms of transit that accept China T-Union cards | Beijing T-Union Transit Card, Changsha Transit Card, Changzhou Transit Card, Chaozhou Transit Card, Dalian Transit Card, Foshan Transit Card, Guangzhou Transit Card, Heyuan Transit Card, Jiangmen Transit Card, Jieyang Transit Card, Jinan Transit Card, Jinhua Transit Card, Lhasa Transit Card, Maoming Transit Card, Nanchang Transit Card, Nanjing Transit Card, Ningbo Transit Card, Shanwei Transit Card, Shanghai T-Union Transit Card, Shaoguan Transit Card, Shenzhen Transit Card, Shijiazhuang Transit Card, Suzhou Transit Card, Taizhou Transit Card, Tianjin Transit Card, Xiamen Transit Card, Xi'an Transit Card, Xuzhou Transit Card, Yunfu Transit Card | ||
All stations of Beijing Subway and Beijing Suburban Railway | Yitongxing Miaotong Card | ||
Finland | All Föli transit operators | Payment cards | |
Hong Kong | All forms of transit and stores that accept Octopus | Octopus [58] | |
Japan | All forms of transit and stores that accept Suica | Suica | |
All forms of transit and stores that accept PASMO | PASMO [59] | ||
All forms of transit and stores that accept ICOCA | ICOCA | ||
Sweden | All Skånetrafiken city buses | Payment cards | |
Serbia | Belgrade city public transport | Payment cards | |
United Kingdom | All Arriva UK Bus transit operators | Payment cards | |
All Brighton & Hove transit operators | Payment cards | ||
All First Bus Group transit operators | Payment cards | ||
All Metrobus transit operators | Payment cards | ||
All Oxford Bus Company transit operators | Payment cards | ||
All stations and buses of Transport for London | Payment cards | ||
United States | All forms of transit that accept Ventra | Ventra [60] | |
All forms of transit that accept TAP | TAP | ||
All stations of Metropolitan Transportation Authority | Payment cards | ||
All forms of transit that accept Hop Fastpass | Hop Fastpass, payment cards | ||
All forms of transit that accept Clipper | Clipper | ||
All forms of transit that accept SmarTrip | SmarTrip |
In addition to the above scenarios, Apple Pay can still be used with other non-Express Transit/Travel readers that accept contactless open loop payment cards, but they will have to be verified beforehand.
Country | Scenario | Fare Payment Method(s) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
United States | Select forms of transit that accept Breeze | Pre-authenticated payment cards linked to Breeze Mobile 2 account | Payment cards that are linked via Apple Pay to a Breeze Mobile 2 account can be used to board. These transactions do not actually charge the payment card, instead acting as an unofficial ID forwarding method. Uses funds from the affiliated Breeze Mobile 2 app balance to pay fare. [61] [62] |
Country | Scenario | Fare Payment Method(s) |
---|---|---|
France | Forms of transit that accept Navigo | Navigo [63] |
South Korea | Forms of transit and stores that accept T-Money | T-Money [64] |
Canada | Forms of transit that accept PRESTO | PRESTO [65] |
These territories permit their residents to save their government-issued identification credentials in Apple Wallet. Unlike the equivalent physical credentials, mobile government IDs in Apple Wallet can only be presented using NFC, so no barcode is scanned when presenting. Mobile IDs in Apple Wallet operate over the ISO 18013 mobile personal identification standard. [66] Once the credential is read, the ID holder must confirm the personal information they wish to share (full name, age, etc.) The transmission to the reader device will be completed over BLE after the presentation is fully verified. Added credentials can also be requested by apps to present virtually. [67] Available for iPhone 8 or later, and Apple Watch Series 4 or later. [68]
Country/Region | State/Territory |
---|---|
United States | Arizona [69] |
Colorado [70] | |
Georgia [71] | |
Maryland [72] |
These home locks, vehicle models, hotel rooms, and more can be unlocked via NFC with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS or later, and Apple Watch Series 5 or later. In addition, certain car models that support operation via UWB (AKA "passive entry") require an UWB compatible device (such as the iPhone 11 or later or the Apple Watch Series 6 or later) for enhanced functionality. [73] [74]
Near-field communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enables communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 centimetres (1.6 in) or less. NFC offers a low-speed connection through a simple setup that can be used for the bootstrapping of capable wireless connections. Like other proximity card technologies, NFC is based on inductive coupling between two electromagnetic coils present on a NFC-enabled device such as a smartphone. NFC communicating in one or both directions uses a frequency of 13.56 MHz in the globally available unlicensed radio frequency ISM band, compliant with the ISO/IEC 18000-3 air interface standard at data rates ranging from 106 to 848 kbit/s.
Suica is a prepaid rechargeable contactless smart card and electronic money system used as a fare card on train lines and other public transport systems in Japan, launched on November 18, 2001 by JR East. The card can be used across the nation as part of Japan's Nationwide Mutual Usage Service. The card is also widely used as electronic money for purchases at stores and kiosks, especially at convenience stores and within train stations. In 2018, JR East reported reported that Suica was used for 6.6 million daily transactions. As of October 2023, 95.64 million Suica have been issued, and 1.63 million stores accept payment via Suica's digital currency.
The EZ-Link card is a rechargeable contactless smart card and electronic money system that is primarily used as a payment method for public transport such as bus and rail lines in Singapore. A standard EZ-Link card is a credit-card-sized stored-value contact-less smart-card that comes in a variety of colours, as well as limited edition designs. It is sold by TransitLink Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), and can be used on travel modes across Singapore, including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the Light Rail Transit (LRT), public buses which are operated by SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit Singapore and Go-Ahead Singapore, as well as the Sentosa Express.
The Clipper card is a reloadable contactless smart card used for automated fare collection in the San Francisco Bay Area. First introduced as TransLink in 2002 by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) as a pilot program, it was rebranded in its current form on June 16, 2010. Like other transit smart cards such as the Oyster card, the Clipper card is a credit card-sized stored-value card capable of holding both cash value and transit passes for the participating transit agencies. In addition to the traditional plastic card, Clipper is available as a virtual card in Google Wallet and Apple Wallet. Clipper is accepted by nearly all public transit services in the Bay Area, including but not limited to Muni, BART, Caltrain, AC Transit, SamTrans, Golden Gate Transit, Golden Gate Ferry, San Francisco Bay Ferry, and VTA.
The Presto card is a contactless smart card automated fare collection system used on participating public transit systems in the province of Ontario, Canada, specifically in Greater Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. Presto card readers were implemented on a trial basis from 25 June 2007 to 30 September 2008. Full implementation began in November 2009 and it was rolled out across rapid transit stations, railway stations, bus stops and terminals, and transit vehicles on eleven different transit systems.
Network for Electronic Transfers, colloquially known as NETS, is a Singaporean electronic payment service provider. Founded in 1986 by a consortium of local banks, it aims to establish the debit network and drive the adoption of electronic payments in Singapore. It is owned by DBS Bank, OCBC Bank and United Overseas Bank (UOB).
A digital wallet, also known as an e-wallet or mobile wallet, is an electronic device, online service, or software program that allows one party to make electronic transactions with another party bartering digital currency units for goods and services. This can include purchasing items either online or at the point of sale in a brick and mortar store, using either mobile payment or using a laptop or other personal computer. Money can be deposited in the digital wallet prior to any transactions or, in other cases, an individual's bank account can be linked to the digital wallet. Users might also have their driver's license, health card, loyalty card(s) and other ID documents stored within the wallet. The credentials can be passed to a merchant's terminal wirelessly via near field communication (NFC).
Google Pay Send, previously known as Google Wallet, was a peer-to-peer payments service developed by Google before its merger into Google Pay. It allowed people to send and receive money from a mobile device or desktop computer.
Contactless payment systems are credit cards and debit cards, key fobs, smart cards, or other devices, including smartphones and other mobile devices, that use radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) for making secure payments. The embedded integrated circuit chip and antenna enable consumers to wave their card, fob, or handheld device over a reader at the Point-of-sale terminal. Contactless payments are made in close physical proximity, unlike other types of mobile payments which use broad-area cellular or Wi-Fi networks and do not involve close physical proximity.
Payanywhere is a payments platform and app that allows merchants in the United States to accept credit and debit card payments while building customer relationships in-store, online, or on the go. Merchants may accept payments on their smartphone via a Bluetooth card reader or on an in-store “Storefront” solution featuring a tablet and stand, which was introduced on April 8, 2014. PayAnywhere offers credit card readers and apps that are compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
Microsoft Pay was a mobile payment and digital wallet service by Microsoft that allowed users to make payments and store loyalty cards on certain mobile devices, as well on PCs using the Microsoft Edge browser. Microsoft Pay does not require Microsoft Pay-specific contactless payment terminals, and supported existing contactless terminals if used on mobile devices. Similar to Android Pay, Microsoft Pay utilized host card emulation (HCE) for making in-store payments.
Lemon Wallet was a cloud-based digital wallet that allowed users to store digital copies of credit cards, debit cards, reward cards, as well as identification, and other card information. The service was released in July 2011 and the company is based in Palo Alto, California, United States. Wences Casares was the company's CEO.
Apple Pay is a mobile payment service by Apple Inc. that allows users to make payments in person, in iOS apps, and on the web. It is supported on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. It digitizes and can replace a credit or debit card chip and PIN transaction at a contactless-capable point-of-sale terminal. It does not require Apple Pay–specific contactless payment terminals; it can work with any merchant that accepts contactless payments. It adds two-factor authentication via Touch ID, Face ID, Optic ID, PIN, or passcode. Devices wirelessly communicate with point of sale systems using near field communication (NFC), with an embedded secure element (eSE) to securely store payment data and perform cryptographic functions, and Apple's Touch ID and Face ID for biometric authentication.
Hop Fastpass is a contactless smart card for public transit fare payment on most transit modes in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area including MAX Light Rail, WES commuter rail, Portland Streetcar, The Vine, and all TriMet and C-TRAN buses. An initial release to the general public began on July 5, 2017, with the official launch on July 17. The program is managed by TriMet.
Google Pay is a mobile payment service developed by Google to power in-app, online, and in-person contactless purchases on mobile devices, enabling users to make payments with Android phones, tablets, or watches. Users can authenticate via a PIN, passcode, or biometrics such as 3D face scanning or fingerprint recognition.
Apple Card is a credit card created by Apple Inc. and issued by Goldman Sachs, designed primarily to be used with Apple Pay on an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. Currently, it is available only in the United States, with 6.7 million American cardholders in early 2022.
Google Wallet is a digital wallet platform developed by Google. It is available for the Android, Wear OS, and Fitbit OS operating systems, and was announced on May 11, 2022, at the 2022 Google I/O keynote. It began rolling out on Android smartphones on July 18.
Samsung Wallet is a digital wallet platform developed by Samsung. It is available for the Samsung Galaxy-exclusive One UI Android operating system, and was announced on February 9, 2022, at the February 2022 Samsung Unpacked event. It combines both Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass.