Apple Wallet in iOS 27 Adds AI Bill Splitting and Custom Pass Scanning

Apple is integrating new AI-driven capabilities into the Wallet app with the release of iOS 27, transforming the iPhone's camera into a tool for financial digitization. The update introduces "Visual Intelligence," allowing users to scan physical documents to automate payments and card management.

Users can now scan itemized physical receipts to parse individual line items. Once identified, they can send specific Apple Cash requests to contacts to split the bill. This bill-splitting functionality is currently limited to users in the United States and requires the use of Apple Cash. Additionally, the update allows users to scan physical loyalty or membership cards to create digital passes instantly. Crucially, this process no longer requires the issuer to opt-in or build native support for the Wallet app.

The Shift Toward Digitization

Historically, the Apple Wallet functioned primarily as a passive storage container. For a loyalty or membership card to appear in the app, the issuing business had to develop a technical integration with Apple's ecosystem. This requirement created a significant barrier for small businesses and local vendors who lacked the resources to build native support, often leaving users to rely on physical cards or third-party apps.

By introducing the ability to scan and create custom passes independently, Apple is removing this friction. This move brings the iPhone's functionality closer to that of Google Wallet, which has long allowed for more flexible card imports. The integration of Visual Intelligence leverages Apple Intelligence to compete with third-party payment platforms by embedding the request process directly into the receipt-scanning workflow.

Industry Implications

This update represents a strategic shift in how Apple views the Wallet app, moving it from a digital folder toward an active financial management tool. By democratizing the digital wallet for small businesses, Apple increases the overall utility of the iPhone's camera and encourages users to move away from physical wallets.

For the broader market, this signals Apple's intent to deepen the integration of AI into everyday utility tasks. Rather than focusing solely on generative text or image creation, Apple is applying AI to solve concrete, real-world frictions—such as the manual entry of payment requests or the clutter of physical membership cards.

Availability and Rollout

These features are currently available to users running the Public and Developer Betas of iOS 27. Apple is expected to roll out the update to the general public during its standard fall release cycle. While the core scanning and splitting tools are confirmed, the full scope of supported card formats and regional availability for other Wallet features remains to be seen in the final production build.