Apple Wallet has come a long way in simplifying our lives. It now supports car keys, home keys, digital IDs, credit cards, boarding passes, order tracking, and more. Here’s what’s new and what we can expect next.
Recent Updates to Apple Wallet
Apple Wallet stands out because it often relies on partnerships with other companies. For instance, while it has offered digital car keys for a while, each automaker must agree to join in.
In recent months, Wallet received some exciting upgrades. Here’s a quick look:
Car Key: With this feature, you can unlock and start your car using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Recently, Toyota joined the list of brands supporting this feature, allowing users to control the latest RAV4. Apple previously announced that 13 other brands were onboard, and Toyota’s addition is a big win for users.
Home Key: This feature lets you unlock compatible doors with your phone. A new entrant, the Aqara Smart Lock U400, now supports this. It uses Ultra Wideband technology for precise auto-unlocking, improving user experience significantly.
Boarding Passes: Apple upgraded how boarding passes work in Wallet. Now, you can track your luggage, access live activities at the airport, and use maps more effectively. American Airlines recently started supporting these new features, making travel smoother.
What’s Coming Next?
Apple Wallet is set to get even better. Here’s what to look for:
Student ID: The University of Texas plans to offer digital student IDs in the Wallet app. This will let students access various services via their phones, but it won’t roll out until the 2027-2028 academic year.
More Car Keys: Porsche is preparing to support Apple car keys with its upcoming electric Macan and Cayenne models. General Motors will also add this feature to Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles soon.
Driver’s Licenses: States like Arkansas and Virginia are moving closer to enabling digital driver’s licenses in Wallet. This could offer another layer of convenience for users.
The Bigger Picture
The quick adoption of digital wallets suggests a shift in how we handle personal identification and access. According to a recent report, over 60% of smartphone users now prefer mobile payments over traditional methods. It’s a sign of the times, showcasing how digital solutions can make life easier.
As Apple continues to innovate, the Wallet app could change even more in the upcoming iOS 27, so it will be interesting to see what new features emerge.
What do you regularly use Apple Wallet for? Let’s discuss in the comments!
