Apple’s iOS 27 not only adds a lot of cool new stuff but also enhances a host of existing apps and features. And some of the most useful improvements come to the Wallet app.
I’ve always loved the versatility of the Apple Wallet app as it lets me make contactless payments, check my credit and debit card transactions, view and store my ticket passes and loyalty cards, send and request money via Apple Cash, and pay for bus and subway fare through Express Transit.
Also: 6 reasons why I switched to a digital wallet, and you should too
With iOS 27 on my iPhone, I’ve discovered even more valuable and practical uses for the app. Here are my five favorite new options and how they work.
1. Create a pass by scanning a physical card
Many of the event tickets, travel passes, and other cards I use include an option to add it to my Apple Wallet. That’s easy enough. But I still have a lot of physical cards clogging up my actual wallet. Now, I can add those cards to the virtual wallet just by scanning them directly in the Wallet app.
To try this, pull out the physical card you want to add and fire up the Wallet app on your iPhone. At the main screen, tap the plus icon at the top and then select the option to create a pass. The next screen explains how this works. Tap Continue. Aim your phone at the card’s barcode and tap the shutter button to snap a picture.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETAt the next screen, tap Edit Pass if the name or other details are missing and you wish to add them. Tap in the necessary fields to add or revise the details. When done, tap the checkmark icon. If you don’t need to edit the pass, then just tap Add.
Also: How to add your transit card to Apple Wallet
You’ll then see your new pass among all your other cards, where you can tap it to display it. Tap the ellipsis icon to view the details, edit the pass, or remove it. The next time you need to present the card at a store or other venue, just leave the physical card at home and use your new virtual pass.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET2. Add a pass manually
What if you want to add a pass but it doesn’t have a barcode or other scannable details? In that case, you can manually add it and then enter the details.
Also: How to store a passport in your iPhone Wallet
For this, tap the plus icon at the top and select the option to create a pass. At the next screen, tap the option to Create Pass Manually. The next screen offers three templates depending on the pass you want to add. One is for a standard pass, another is for a membership, and a third is for an event pass. Choose the one that best matches the card you’re adding.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETOn the next screen, you add the necessary details and adjust the card’s appearance if you wish. Tap the palette icon at the bottom left. Select Background Color to pick a specific color and texture. Otherwise, select Choose from Library to pick a specific theme.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETTap the three-lined settings icon at the bottom right to add or remove fields. Tap the minus sign on a field that you want to modify. Tap it again to see a list of fields you can then add in the same location.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETTap any field with data that needs to be changed and then select Edit Field to enter the new information. When done, tap the checkmark at the top to add your card to your wallet.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET3. Scan a restaurant receipt to split the bill
Ever dine with a group of people and need to figure out how to split the bill? There are a few ways to do that. But now you can handle it on your iPhone using the new Siri AI mode, Apple Wallet, and Apple Cash. The only requirement is that your fellow diners must also be Apple Cash users.
Also: Your iPhone can be used as a digital drivers’ license
For this, fire up the Camera app and select the new Siri mode. Aim your phone at the entire receipt, then tap the Split Bill with Apple Cash button when it appears. The bill is scanned, and you’re taken to a Split the Bill screen in Apple Wallet. Now, you’re able to request money or pay your share. Search for or select the name of each of your fellow diners, or enter their phone number if they’re not in your contact list.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETYou’ll then see a list of all the items you ordered. Select each one, tap the number, and then tap the minus sign to display a fraction. Each fraction determines your share of the bill. Choose 1/2 to split the bill in half, 1/3 to split it among three people, etc. You’re also able to add a tip. When done, tap the button to send or receive the required amount.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET4. View recurring payments
Want to better anticipate future bills and charges? You can now see a list of any recurring payments you make through your Apple Card. To do that, tap the Apple Card at the main screen in Apple Wallet. Tap the ellipsis icon at the top and select Recurring. The screen will display any upcoming payments and a recent transaction history. To see all your regular payments, tap All at the top.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET5. Discover all you can do with Apple Wallet
With so many new and existing options, Apple Wallet can be confusing, especially if you haven’t used it before. To show you how to use everything, the app now offers a Discover section. Here, you can learn about Apple Pay, Apple Cash, the Apple Card, boarding passes, paying for mass transit, event tickets, IDs, virtual keys, and your account balance.
Also: How to use Apple Pay in stores and online
To try this, open the Wallet app, tap the ellipsis icon at the top, and select Discover. Tap each category, and you’ll find a thorough and detailed description of the feature as well as a button you can tap to activate it.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

