Search for a command to run...
Why my public library cannot support Apple Wallet but you can!
I am a Software Engineer working on open source and enterprise mobile SDKs for iOS and MacOS developers written in Swift. From 🇩🇪 and happily living in 🇺🇸
I just noticed this morning that Apple is now listing codabar as a possibility in their documentation (See: developer.apple.com/documentation/walletpasses/creating-a-pass-with-pass-designer#Configure-the-barcodes-and-NFC). I can't yet confirm that it works, but I wanted to at least share an update to let you know that I'm seeing it there.
WWDC26 kicked off on June 8, 2026. The information in this article reflects the information published by Apple on that date. There are 14 new frameworks. Name Description AccessoryAccess Manage
WWDC25 kicked off on June 9, 2025. The information in this article reflects the information published by Apple on that date. New Frameworks NameDescription AlarmKitSchedule prominent alarms and countdowns to help people manage their time. AVR...
WWDC25 is almost here, and I couldn’t be more excited! Whether you're attending the official events, community meetups, or just soaking in the energy around Cupertino, there’s no better time to connect, share ideas, and celebrate everything we love a...
In this blog post, I’ll share an observation and advice regarding the caching behavior of network responses by Apple’s APIs. If you are unfamiliar with caching of network responses then I recommend Apple’s article Accessing cached data that introduce...
WWDC24 kicked off on June 10, 2024. The information in this article reflects the information published by Apple on that date. New Frameworks NameDescription AccessorySetupKitUse AccessorySetupKit to discover accessories with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi...
In this blog post, I'll share consumer and developer-related information about Apple Wallet and why membership/loyalty programs may not offer to add a digital card to Apple Wallet.
I got into this topic because I wondered why my beloved San Jose Public Library does not have an option on its website and I am still forced to walk around with a physical keychain tag.
Apple Wallet (formerly known as Passbook) is a digital wallet on iOS and watchOS that allows users to store various Wallet passes. Examples: coupons, boarding passes, student ID cards, government ID cards, car keys, event tickets, public transportation passes, store or credit cards. Apple Wallet integrates well with Apple
Wallet was initially introduced as Passbook with iOS 6 (2012). So it has been around for quite a while. So what might be the most popular reason that membership/loyalty programs do not adopt support of creating and distributing passes?
You probably know that there are 1D and 2D barcodes. If not, here is a short recap:
One-dimensional (or 1D) barcodes systematically represent data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines. These include some of the most traditional and well-recognized barcode types, such as the UPC and EAN codes. 1D barcodes are also commonly referred to as linear barcodes. The length of a one-dimensional barcode is directly tied to how much information it holds.
Two-dimensional, (or 2D) barcodes systematically represent data using two-dimensional symbols and shapes. They can represent more data per unit area. Also these codes are designed to keep data intact and scannable—even after being ripped, scratched or damaged. 2D barcodes include newer barcode types, such as the QR Code and PDF417.
There are many types of 1D and 2D barcodes and to name the major ones:
Sadly Apple Wallet supports only a limited set of barcode types. Understandably the support is better for more modern, 2D barcodes. Only a single 1D barcode type is supported.
Supported types:
| Type | Example | Used In |
| Code 128 |  | Supply-chain: compact, high-density codes used in logistics and transportation industries for ordering and distribution. |
| Aztec |  | Transportation |
| PDF147 |  | Logistics and Government |
| QR |  | Retail, Entertainment and Advertising |
The San Jose Public Library uses Codabar which is not supported by Apple Wallet :( despite that Codabar barcodes are used by logistics and healthcare professionals, including U.S. blood banks, FedEx, photo labs, and libraries.
I don't expect libraries in the US (or around the world) to change their barcode symbology. It is a pity that Apple does not offer broader support for barcodes!
As a consumer, I recommend installing Pass4Wallet on your iPhone. This free app allows you to scan a barcode, create a pass, and adds it to Apple Wallet.
As a developer, I wondered how that was possible. Then I noticed that the barcode was not shown at the bottom of the page.
Normally a pass shows a barcode at the bottom of the page. Here is the layout of a store pass.
So developers cannot rely on PassKit to automatically generate an unsupported barcode but it appears you can generate a barcode image itself and show it as the strip image!
Again, I don't expect the IT department of my local library to know all these hacks/workarounds.
If you need to create a 2D barcode, look at the various 2D barcode descriptors offered by CoreImage.
Unfortunately, CoreImage does not help you with generating 1D barcodes.
You must draw your own image and use the Codabar encoding as a reference.
I found these resources when researching and testing to create my pass programmatically.
The PassKit support materials are available in Apple's Developer downloads area. They contain fully worked example passes, a command-line tool to help you sign passes during development, and a sample implementation of the web service.
I also found PassEncoder, an open-source Swift Package, helpful in creating the pass from source and then signing the pass.