Apple Wallet is getting a free upgrade to transform your flying experience
And it should be coming very soon


Quick Summary
The new iPhone software, iOS 26, is set to bring a number of new features to Apple Wallet according to a report.
The report comes from 9to5Mac and it claims there will be three new features including Live Activities for digital boarding passes.
We’re only a few days away from Apple’s September event where the company is expected to announce new iPhone models, new Apple Watch models and potentially new AirPods too.
It’s not just the new hardware that’s exciting though. The September event also gets us closer to the release of the new software that Apple previewed back at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June. For iPhone, that software comes in the form of iOS 26 and alongside a new Liquid Glass design, there are a number of new features.
One of those is an update to Apple Wallet. A report from 9to5Mac has said that Wallet will be getting three new features when the new software arrives, including Live Activities.
Some airline apps like United Airlines already offer Live Activities, which is very handy when you’re travelling and you’re looking for helpful updates. Information like your gate number and whether the plane is boarding currently appear within Live Activities on compatible apps. Not all have the feature, however, so depending on how tech-savvy your airline is, will depend on the kind of experience you get.
What new features are coming to Wallet?
The new software will bake Live Activities into digital boarding passes in Wallet though, bringing a more consistent experience no matter what airline you’re flying with. They will also be shareable so a loved one can track your flight - something that’s currently possible through Messages if you send a contact your flight number.
The digital boarding passes will also show more information themselves than they currently do, according to the report, and you’ll be able to see airport maps. The last feature that’s coming to Wallet with the new software is the ability to see luggage equipped with AirTags and report missing luggage.
It’s not currently known exactly when the software will launch but usually it’s the Week after the new iPhone models. If Apple follows that tradition, you can expect iOS 26 to arrive week beginning Monday 15 September and hopefully it will be packing these new Wallet features. We’ll keep you posted when the official date is communicated though.
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Britta is a freelance technology journalist who has been writing about tech for over a decade. She's covered all consumer tech from phones, tablets and wearables to smart home and beauty tech, with everything in between. She has a fashion journalism degree from London College of Fashion and previously did a long stint as deputy editor of Pocket-lint, but you’ll now find her byline on several titles including GQ, the Express, the Mirror, TechRadar, Stuff and iMore. You'll never find her without her Apple Watch on, aiming to complete her rings so she can justify the extra bar of chocolate and she loves a good iPhone trick.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.