Apple is introducing a new Apple Wallet pass style with iOS 27 called Poster Generic.

The new style allows businesses to create more visual and immersive passes using a large background image, prominent branding, and a refreshed arrangement of fields and barcodes.

Unlike the Google Wallet redesign, Poster Generic will not automatically replace every existing Apple Wallet pass. It is a new design option that can be used for suitable passes.

This article covers:

Poster Generic is a new Apple Wallet pass style available on devices using iOS 27 or later.

It is designed for passes where strong visual branding or photography is an important part of the customer experience, including:

The new design places a large image behind the pass content, allowing the artwork to become the main visual feature of the pass.

The most noticeable change is the introduction of a large background image covering the pass face.

Unlike the smaller images used by existing generic passes, Poster Generic places the pass information over the artwork. This creates a more immersive design and gives businesses more space to show their brand.

When choosing an image:

Apple Wallet controls how the image is cropped and positioned on different devices. Some parts of the image may not always be visible, so the main subject should remain near the centre.

Poster Generic introduces a primary logo displayed prominently over the background image.

The logo should be simple, clear, and easy to recognise. It should also provide enough contrast against the background artwork.

Avoid using a logo that becomes difficult to read when placed over a detailed or similarly coloured image.

Header fields appear near the top of the pass and can be used for short, important information, such as:

Keep header field labels and values short so they remain easy to read.

Primary fields display the most important information on the pass.

For example, a membership pass could show the member’s name and membership level.

The first primary field can also be displayed as a larger title when its label is left empty. This gives the pass a stronger visual hierarchy and makes the main value easier to identify.

Poster Generic supports one footer field on the pass face.

If more than one footer field is provided, only the first will be displayed. The footer should therefore be reserved for a single useful piece of information, such as the business name or membership type.

A barcode can be displayed near the bottom of the pass.

The barcode remains available for scanning as normal, but its appearance and position are adapted to work with the Poster Generic layout.

The choice of background image is important. There must be enough visual contrast around the barcode for it to remain clear and easy to scan.

iOS 27 introduces Featured Actions, allowing businesses to place up to two useful actions directly beneath the pass.

These actions appear as prominent buttons with an icon and a short description, making it easier for customers to complete common tasks without searching through the pass details.

Featured Actions could allow customers to:

Featured Actions are displayed in the order set by the business. Because a pass can contain a maximum of two, they should be reserved for the actions most useful to the customer.

Apple Wallet controls the button design, icon, and displayed wording based on the type of action provided.
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Featured Actions are not limited to the new Poster Generic design. They can be added to all supported Apple Wallet pass styles in iOS 27.

Customers using an earlier version of iOS will still be able to use their pass, but the Featured Actions will not be displayed.

No. Poster Generic is a new optional style for suitable Apple Wallet passes.

Existing passes will not automatically change to the Poster Generic design when a customer updates to iOS 27.

A pass must be specifically configured to use the new style. Businesses can continue using the current Apple Wallet layouts if they do not want to adopt Poster Generic.

Poster Generic requires iOS 27 or later.

Customers using iOS 26 or earlier cannot display the new design. To support these customers, a pass can contain both:

Apple Wallet will display the appropriate version for the customer’s device.

This means customers can continue adding and using the pass even if they have not updated to iOS 27.

Yes. Existing Apple Wallet passes will continue to work.

The introduction of Poster Generic does not prevent customers from using passes created with the current Apple Wallet styles.

Pass barcodes, updates, links, notifications, and other supported features will continue to work as normal.

PassKit has prepared support for Apple’s iOS 27 Wallet changes.

We are continuing to test the new Poster Generic design, including how its images, fields, logos, barcodes, and Featured Actions appear across supported devices.

No action is required at this time.

You can continue creating, issuing, and updating Apple Wallet passes as normal.

We will provide more information about using Poster Generic and Featured Actions through PassKit, including any artwork or design changes you may need to prepare.

No. Poster Generic is a new optional pass style. Existing pass styles will continue to be supported.

No. Passes must be specifically configured to use the new style.

The business issuing the pass determines whether Poster Generic is included. Apple Wallet then displays the version supported by the customer’s iOS version.

No. It requires iOS 27 or later. A current Generic design can be included as a fallback for customers using older versions of iOS.

Poster Generic is intended for general-purpose passes such as memberships, loyalty programs, and store cards. Other pass types will continue to use their appropriate Apple Wallet layouts.

iOS 27 supports up to two Featured Actions. These appear beneath the pass and can direct customers to relevant features or information, such as membership benefits, offers, bookings, or event details.

Featured Actions are controlled by the business that issued the pass and are available on supported pass styles in iOS 27.