Push notifications on mobile wallets stand out from traditional notifications through their contextual relevance and optimized visibility. They deliver useful real-time information, whether it’s facilitating access to services, notifying a card update, or highlighting a special offer or event.
This article explores the specifics of notifications in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, highlighting their operation, differences, and practical applications.
How push notifications work on Apple Wallet and Google Wallet
Push notifications on Apple Wallet appear as banners on the lock screen or in the notification center. Their content remains accessible in the “Latest Notification” field on the back of the pass. Apple also enables automatic triggers based on criteria like location, specific dates, or events.
Google Wallet notifications appear as standard alerts on Android, informing the user that a new message has been added to their pass. Additionally, Google Wallet offers two options :
- Display the message only in the pass details
- Generate a notification in addition to displaying it on the pass
💡 Good to know: It is possible to manage consent for receiving push notifications on both platforms, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
Types of push notifications
Location-based notifications
Triggered based on a person’s location to provide easy access to information when near a relevant place, such as a concert venue or store.
Date or Calendar
Based Notifications Scheduled to be sent at a specific date or time, they serve as reminders for pass validity or upcoming events.
Motion-triggered notifications via Neostore
Neostore can automatically trigger a push notification in response to movement captured by your connected systems (CRM, POS, ticketing, etc.). such as:
- A purchase
- Evolution of loyalty points / new offer
Beacon-based notifications
Exclusively on Apple Wallet, a notification can be triggered when the user approaches a specific location using Beacon technology, which detects devices via Bluetooth. For example, this can be activated when the user approaches a wallet reader at checkout, a self-service kiosk, or an access control device, prompting them to pre-open their pass for seamless validation.
💡 Using an Adyen terminal? Learn how to display a QR code on an Adyen terminal to simplify identification and payment in-store
👉 Detailed guide here.
Key Differences
Push notification content
In Apple Wallet, when a push notification is sent, its content can be displayed directly within the notification itself. The content is customizable, but links are not supported.
Google Wallet does not allow displaying the message content directly in the notification; it acts more as an alert to inform the user that a new message or update has been added to the pass. Additionally, only three notifications per day per pass are allowed.
Value-Added Opportunities
One of the key advantages of Google Wallet is its “Value-Added Opportunities” feature, which allows passes to be enriched with interactive content, such as:
- A personalized title to capture attention
- A concise description providing context
- A visual image to enhance the pass’s appeal
- A clickable link, redirecting the user to a product page, special offer, or event
Unfortunately, Apple Wallet does not offer this feature. Information remains static or context-driven (e.g., automatic field updates) without additional interaction.
Tracking and ROI in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet
Apple Wallet and Google Wallet protect user privacy and do not provide detailed statistics on pass usage.
However, it is possible to track some key interactions, such as installing, uninstalling, and updating a pass. These events allow brands to evaluate user engagement and optimize their marketing strategies.
Additionally, advanced tracking mechanisms make it possible to measure ROI, including integrating trackable links into passes, such as UTM links or shortened links.
Neostore: Simplified Management and a Communication Hub for Mobile Wallets
Neostore centralizes the management of mobile wallets (Apple Wallet and Google Wallet) through a single API, allowing brands to create, distribute, and manage their passes (loyalty cards, tickets, coupons, etc.) seamlessly.
As a true communication hub, our solution synchronizes in real-time with your systems (CRM, ticketing, POS) to:
- Manage push notifications according to Apple and Google Wallet specifications
- Personalize passes with dynamic data (promotions, targeted messages)
- Analyze user interactions (adds, removals, engagement)
💡 Our platform also allows you to easily translate and customize your notifications based on your customers’ language preferences.
Conclusion
Push notifications in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are powerful tools to engage users and deliver relevant information throughout their purchase journey. While their features differ, both platforms focus on personalization and context-driven notifications.
By combining both platforms, brands can maximize their reach and provide a seamless, optimized user experience! 🚀