Introduction
Before creating digital passes with PassKit, it’s essential to understand how Apple Wallet and Google Wallet truly work. These platforms have specific rules and limitations—not imposed by PassKit, but by Apple and Google themselves.
This guide explains:
✅ What digital passes excel at
🚫 What they don’t do (and why)
🔄 How pass updates actually work
❌ Common misconceptions
🔑 Key considerations before getting started
What Digital Passes Excel At
Digital passes are powerful tools for replacing physical cards, tickets, and coupons. With PassKit, you can create:
Loyalty & Membership Cards – Track points, rewards, and VIP access
Coupons & Offers – Deliver instant, scannable promotions
Event Tickets – Enable quick check-ins and real-time updates
Boarding Passes – Update flight gates, times, and seating dynamically
Digital IDs – Verify identity or grant access
Key Features:
✔ Barcodes, QR codes, and NFC – For easy scanning
✔ Real-time updates – No need for users to download new passes
✔ Wallet integration – Always accessible on users’ devices
What Wallet Passes Don’t Do
These are not PassKit limitations—they are ecosystem rules set by Apple and Google:
Feature | Limitation | Why? |
Design Freedom | Must follow Apple/Google templates. | Ensures consistency & security. |
Automatic Location Tracking | Just opening a pass doesn’t trigger actions. | Privacy & battery optimization. |
Payments | Cannot process transactions (use Apple/Google Pay). | Separate from payment systems. |
Push Notifications | Users must have notifications enabled for updates. | User control & anti-spam. |
PassKit gives you more flexibility than most alternatives—but these core rules apply to all wallet providers.
How Pass Updates Really Work
Wallet passes are not magic
They don’t automatically update just because someone pays with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
They don’t detect when a customer walks into your store and completes a transaction.
There’s no link between payment cards and passes in the Wallet app.
Passes need to be explicitly told what to update
There are 3 main ways to trigger updates
Manual Update – You log into PassKit and edit passes directly.
Scan-Based Update – A staff member scans the pass (e.g., with PassReader).
System Integration – You POS/CRM/Event Softwate sends transaction the updated information to PassKit
No trigger? No update!
Opening or viewing a pass does nothing - this is by design. This is how all wallet systems operate—PassKit simply provides the tools to make it seamless.
Common Misconceptions
❌ Myth:"If a customer opens their pass, I’ll get data"
✅ Fact: You only get data if a pass is issued, installed, updated or deleted.
❌ Myth: "I can design passes however I want"
✅ Fact: Apple & Google enforce templates—PassKit offers the most customization possible.
❌ Myth: "Another wallet provider can bypass these rules"
✅ Fact: These are Apple & Google’s rules—PassKit provides more features than competitors.
Key Considerations Before Getting Started
Ask yourself these critical questions to ensure success:
1. How Will Passes Update?
Choose your update method based on your workflow:
Manual Updates (You edit passes directly in PassKit)
Staff Scanning Passes (Using PassReader or your own scanning app)
Automated Integration (Best for scalability):
2. What Data Needs to Be Dynamic?
Identify which elements must update in real-time:
Loyalty points/balances
Membership tiers/status
Coupon redemption status
Event check-ins/access control
Expiration dates or limited-time offers
3. Will Users Enable Push Notifications?
Pass updates can trigger notifications, but users must opt-in.
Design your UX to explain the value (e.g., "Enable notifications for real-time rewards!").
4. Do You Need Developer Help?
No-Code: Use Make/Zapier if your tools are supported.
Pro Code: For custom systems, a developer will need to use PassKit’s API.
Hybrid: Some platforms (like Shopify) offer pre-built integrations + customization.
Pro Tip: Start with no-code automation to test workflows, then scale to API if needed.
Conclusion
Now that you understand how Apple Wallet & Google Wallet truly work—and why PassKit is the most powerful platform within these rules—you’re ready to build amazing digital pass experiences.
🚀 Sign up for PassKit today and start creating!