Apple`s Passbook app “the simplest way to get all your passes in one place”

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Apple`s Passbook app “the simplest way to get all your passes in one place

Apple has announced an app called Passbook as one of the new features of iOS6. The app is a means for users to hold all their loyalty cards, tickets, vouchers and coupons in a single place on their mobile device. Passbook is a step towards a mobile wallet although the company made no mention of a payment mechanism such as NFC.

The company describes Passbook as being “the simplest way to get all your passes in one place”. It will enable users to scan their iPhone or iPod touch to use coupons, concert tickets or hotel entry.  Other examples of what users could carry in the app include season tickets for sports events and airline tickets.

The app will also be location-based, says Apple. It will automatically display the correct pass based on a specific time or location. Apple gives the example of a loyalty card for a regularly visited coffee shop. In fact, Passbook will enable users to make payments via Starbucks' popular app (although Passbook is not mobile payments service for Apple itself). Or the app will alert the user for instance if there is a last-minute gate change at an airport.

Passbook launch partners include Starbucks, Fandango, Target, Amtrak, United, the Apple Store, MLB.com, and W Hotels.

However Apple’s announcement made no mention of NFC. In the past, there has been speculation that the company would announce an NFC capability for the iPhone although that has lessened recently. The Passbook announcement will likely put it back on the agenda.

The new app is among the new features on iOS6 which will be available to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users this autumn, the company says.  Other features will include a new maps app, an update to Siri and Facebook integration for contacts and calendar. The new features were announced at its WWDC event for developers.