The latest update to Apple’s iPhone software, iOS 26, brings a set of travel-focused enhancements to Apple Wallet, transforming the way users access and use mobile boarding passes. United Airlines is the first carrier to support these new features, but more airlines are expected to join soon. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 26’s enhanced boarding passes and how they can improve your airport experience.
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What’s New With Boarding Passes in iOS 26?
The enhanced boarding pass features in iOS 26 go beyond just storing a digital ticket. When you add a supported airline’s pass to Apple Wallet, new options become available:
- Flight Tracker on Lock Screen:
You can now press a button on the boarding pass to pin a live flight tracker to your iPhone’s lock screen. This displays useful details such as remaining flight time, departure or arrival gate, and real-time status updates. - Share Flight Status:
The system lets you share flight tracking details with friends or family, so they see the same status and gate information on their lock screens. Your personal data like seat number and boarding group remain private. - Airport Maps:
Enhanced boarding passes include built-in airport maps, making it easier to navigate terminals, find amenities, and move between gates. - Luggage Tracking With AirTags:
If you’ve tagged your bags with Apple’s AirTag trackers, your boarding pass will display the live location of your luggage, all in one place inside Apple Wallet.
How Do Enhanced Boarding Passes Work?
To take advantage of these new features, you need to fly with an airline that supports them. For now, United Airlines is the only option, but Apple has promised that several more—including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Qantas, Southwest, and Virgin Australia—will roll out compatibility soon.
To use the features:
- Add your United Airlines boarding pass to Apple Wallet after checking in on the United app or website.
- Tap your pass in Apple Wallet. You’ll see an option to “Add Flight Tracker to Lock Screen.”
- Use available toggles to share the tracker with friends and family, or review maps and luggage updates as needed.
The entire system is managed from within Apple Wallet, making the process streamlined and consistent across your travels.
Why Are These Features Useful?
Many airline apps already offer flight trackers, but centralizing these features in Apple Wallet provides a simple, unified view for travelers who frequently fly with different airlines. Instead of juggling multiple apps, iOS 26 turns your iPhone into a comprehensive travel companion.
Live updates and mapping make it easy to handle delays, gate changes, or last-minute terminal switches, while AirTag integration helps take the stress out of lost luggage.
What’s Coming Next?
While United is first, Apple has confirmed that more carriers are joining soon. As support expands, the enhanced boarding passes could become a new travel standard, especially for iPhone users who value convenience and up-to-the-minute travel details at their fingertips.
How Secure Is Your Travel Data?
Apple Wallet keeps sensitive data private. Shared flight tracking shows only the details passengers need, not personal identifiers. Location data from AirTags is encrypted and displayed only to verified device owners, upholding Apple’s privacy commitments.
With iOS 26’s boarding pass features in Apple Wallet, you get real-time flight tracking, easy navigation, and added peace of mind—all in a single, secure app. As more airlines enable support, traveling will become more convenient, organized, and connected.
