Google Wallet is rolling out support for Apple Wallet pass files،
Last year, Google Wallet rolled out a new feature allowing users to share boarding passes and event tickets with others via a link. This feature was designed as a convenient way to share passes with friends and family, but especially for those who don't actually have the Google Wallet app installed on their devices, such as iOS users. Today a new update is rolling out that expands on this and now allows Apple Wallet Passes to also be used in Google Wallet. This update, documented by Android expert Mishaal Rahman, aims to reduce the disparity with Apple Wallet. Apple currently holds an advantage in this area due to its wide use among apps and services that distribute digital tickets and passes on iPhone. Additionally, it provides a more streamlined and integrated experience for users, as it most often offers the “Add to Apple Wallet” option.
Google Wallet will soon be able to import digital passes saved in Apple's .pkpass format!
A Telegram user tells me that Google Wallet is now able to import .pkpass files. However, this doesn't work for me yet. Let me know if this works for you!
(Thanks to Cob on Telegram for… https://t.co/jjAL3o2mbApic.twitter.com/O69NHNRs6L
– Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) March 15, 2024
This hasn't always been the case with Android devices, as “Add to Google Wallet” isn't as universally available and recognized. However, with Google Wallet adopting support for “pkpass” files, which are used to add passes to Apple Wallet on the iPhone, this may quickly change and help standardize the process across devices Android and iPhone. By expanding support for “pkpass” files, Android devices can now offer a similar level of convenience and integration when it comes to adding tickets and passes. This move by Google Wallet could potentially bridge the gap between the two platforms in terms of digital ticketing services.
As promised over a year ago by Google, this support is now starting to reach some Android users. However, although some users have confirmed that “pkpass” files open in Wallet and are successfully imported into the app, the feature remains a server-side update on Google's side. It will be interesting to see how this change impacts user experience and convenience for consumers using Google Wallet on Android devices.
