Add Unsupported Passes, Cards, And Tickets To Passbook [iOS Tips]

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PassSource Passbook

Yeah, we get it: Passbook is awesome. It’s also woefully under-populated with only a handful or three of official apps.

But look, Passbook files aren’t even that special. They’re just specially formatted computer files with a .pkpass extension. What’s neat about that is that anyone can create one of these files, and then send them to you in email, or have you download them from the web. That way, you can take advantage of Passbook system without being limited to the official Passbook apps on your iPhone.

Here’s how.

First up, go check out Ticketfly, an events ticketing service that will send you an email with a .pkpass file attached. When you get the email, be sure to use Mail.app on your iPhone, and open the attachment there. Furthermore, be sure to use Passbook to open the pass, as unlocking your screen will make this ticket disappear, perhaps freaking you out and wasting valuable beer-buying time.

Another unofficial way to generate rewards cards into Passbook that aren’t already officially supported by Apple or with an official app is PassSource. Using your iPhone, go to PassSource.com and tap on the Create button. Choose the type of card you want to add, including Store gift cards, AAA cards, Best Buy Gift Cards, and more. I chose to make a Costco card.

Tap on the type of card you’re creating, and enter the information in the fields below, like the store name, address, and membership numbers. Then hit the Create button at the bottom. The Passbook item will slide up onto the iPhone screen, and you then can click the blue Add button in the upper right, sending the card right to your Passbook app. Looks good, right? I have yet to take it to Costco to make sure it works, but what fun if it does!

Source: 148Apps

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