Apple Wallet vs Google Wallet: the differences
You make one call to eldo wallet. eldo wallet builds both the Apple Wallet and the Google Wallet version of the pass. The customer opens their link and the phone picks the right platform. Nothing to wire up on either side.
The two platforms still behave differently. Here is what you need to know.
At a glance
| Apple Wallet | Google Wallet | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | Android phones |
| Format | Signed .pkpass file | Object hosted by Google (one class + one object per holder) |
| Updates | The server pings the device (APNs), the device downloads the new version | Google updates the object and pushes it to the device |
| Notification | Shown when a field configured to notify changes value | Message attached to the pass, or update notification |
| Lock screen | Pass suggested based on relevant location or date | Pass suggested based on location and event date |
| Logo | logo | androidLogo (dedicated logo, shown in a circle) |
What eldo wallet handles for you
- Signing
.pkpassfiles and publishing Google Wallet classes and objects. - Device registration: when the customer adds the pass, their device subscribes to updates.
- Update delivery: you change a customer, a trip or a template, eldo wallet relays it to both platforms.
- One add link: the same link opens Apple Wallet on iPhone and Google Wallet on Android.
Differences that affect you
The rendering is not identical
Apple and Google use different field layouts. A field on the front on iPhone may show on the back, or in the details, on Android.
The iOS header has its own settings (iosHeader on the loyalty card, coupons and transits). Always test on both platforms before launch.
Sharing is set per platform
The loyalty card has sharingProhibited (iOS) and sharingProhibitedAndroid. See PATCH/store-cards.
Notifications are delivered differently
On Apple Wallet, a notification appears when a displayed value changes and that field is set to notify. On Google Wallet, it goes through a message attached to the pass. eldo wallet hides the difference: you send one notification, eldo wallet picks the right mechanism. See Push notifications.
Google Wallet errors have their own codes
Some errors come from Google Wallet itself: CLASS_NOT_FOUND, OBJECT_CREATION_FAILED, OBJECT_UPDATE_FAILED. See the error reference.