iOS 26 Wallet app guide: Apple release notes, compatible iPhones, set up passes after upgrade
Official iOS 26 Wallet features and what to do right after you upgrade.
Already on iOS 26 and wondering what changed in Wallet? Start with Apple's release notes, then open Wallet to add or refresh boarding passes, try in-store Apple Pay installments, and look for order tracking (beta) — availability depends on model, region, bank, airline, and Apple Intelligence settings.
This release guide cites only Apple's newsroom, iOS 26 update notes, and iPhone User Guide for iOS 26 Wallet features, compatible iPhones, and the path after you install iOS 26.
What Apple ships in Wallet on iOS 26
Apple's June 2025 newsroom preview and the "About iOS 26 Updates" support article highlight Wallet changes for payments and travel. Points below come from Apple release notes only.
Liquid Glass design
Apple describes the iOS 26 Liquid Glass design across system apps, including Wallet controls and navigation, for a more expressive yet familiar experience.
Refreshed boarding passes
Apple's newsroom says refreshed boarding passes in Wallet let you see and share Live Activities for real-time flight updates, with quick access to Maps for airport navigation, Find My to track items and report missing bags, and more. Apple's update notes add timely flight and airport information plus airline app shortcuts for passes you save.
Order tracking (beta)
Apple's iOS 26 update notes say order tracking (beta) uses Apple Intelligence to find merchant or carrier emails and brings order details, progress notifications, and more into one place in Wallet — even for purchases not made with Apple Pay.
In-store Apple Pay installments
Apple documents installment financing from your bank or card provider when you pay with Apple Pay in store on iPhone. See Apple's "Pay with installments using Apple Pay" article (in-store purchases require iOS 26 or later).
In-store Apple Pay rewards
Apple's newsroom also states users can choose to pay with installments or rewards for in-store Apple Pay purchases on iPhone. Issuer and regional availability follow Apple's published guidance.
Cards and passes foundation
Apple's User Guide explains Wallet stores credit and debit cards, passes, transit cards, keys, and more — add from apps, emails, websites, or directly in Wallet, then arrange your stack. iOS 26 enhancements build on this baseline.
Which iPhones get these updates
Wallet features ship with iOS 26. Apple Support's "How to download iOS 26" lists iPhone 11 and later plus iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
| Series | Apple criteria | Wallet notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | Base iOS 26 Wallet and Apple Pay |
| iPhone 12–14 | All variants | Regional issuer and airline features as Apple documents |
| iPhone 15 | 15 line | Order tracking (beta) ties to Apple Intelligence availability |
| iPhone 16+ | 16 line and later | Boarding pass and Live Activities experience per newsroom |
| iPhone SE | 2nd gen and later | Compact phones qualify |
Not on iOS 26 yet? Official upgrade path (short)
See our iOS 26 upgrade guide for backup and Software Update. Minimum: iCloud backup → Settings → General → Software Update → install → confirm under About.
After iOS 26: open Wallet and set up passes
- 1
Launch Wallet
Open Wallet from the Home Screen. Per Apple's "Set up cards and passes in Wallet," add cards and passes and arrange your stack.
- 2
Add boarding passes and tickets
Apple says you can add movie, event, or flight boarding passes from confirmation emails or supported apps; passes may appear on the Lock Screen near departure or event time.
- 3
Walk refreshed boarding pass features
Open a saved boarding pass and look for Live Activities (view and share), Maps airport navigation, and Find My shortcuts described in Apple's newsroom. Menus vary by airline and region.
- 4
Present passes and pay
Follow "Use passes, cards, and keys in Wallet": tap Lock Screen notifications or double-click the side button (Face ID) / Home button (Home button models). Enable Suggest on Lock Screen so boarding passes surface near departure.
- 5
In-store installments
When your issuer supports it, choose Apple Pay in store and follow Apple's installment article for Pay Later or installment plans (in store requires iOS 26+). You can also tap Add Card → Pay Later Options in Wallet when available.
- 6
Order tracking (beta)
Apple labels this beta and powered by Apple Intelligence reading email. If needed, start with our Apple Intelligence setup guide, then check Wallet for consolidated orders.
- 7
Manage passes
Use Apple's "Manage passes, cards, and keys" to remove expired items and review notifications and automatic selection.
To compare new Wallet menus remotely, open a browser room on figmeet · guide · features. For airport Maps shortcuts, see the iOS 26 Maps guide.
# Official starting points
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-elevates-the-iphone-experience-with-ios-26/
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/whats-new-in-ios-26-iphfed2c4091/ios
https://support.apple.com/en-us/123075
https://support.apple.com/en-us/123705
https://support.apple.com/en-us/120477
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-cards-and-passes-iph9b7f53382/ios
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-passes-cards-and-keys-iphe7aa3336/ios
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/manage-passes-cards-and-keys-iphbea35dbc4/ios
Install iOS 26 only through Settings → General → Software Update. Manage cards and passes in Apple's official Wallet settings — avoid unofficial profiles or modified system builds.
FAQ
Boarding pass UI unchanged?
Enhancements apply to passes saved in Wallet on iOS 26; re-add or refresh from your airline. Features vary by carrier and region.
No order tracking?
Apple marks it beta and uses Apple Intelligence on email. Confirm iOS 26, Apple Intelligence availability, and Mail accounts.
No installment option in store?
Plans depend on your bank or issuer and Apple Pay support. In-store installments require iOS 26 or later per Apple.
Boarding pass not on Lock Screen?
Apple notes passes can appear near departure; check Suggest on Lock Screen and notifications for that pass.