Comparison of push notifications : Apple Wallet vs. Google Wallet

Push notifications in mobile wallets are a key tool for strengthening customer loyalty and delivering relevant real-time information. This article explores the specifics of notifications in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, detailing their functionality, similarities, differences, and practical applications.

How Push Notifications Work

Apple Wallet

In Apple Wallet, push notifications are tightly integrated into the iOS system. They are triggered only when a pass is updated, such as a modification to a field, a QR code, or a location.

These notifications appear on the lock screen as banners or in the notification center, and their content is visible in the “Last Notification” field on the back of the pass. Apple also offers automatic triggering options based on criteria such as geolocation, a specific date, or an event.

Google Wallet

Google Wallet, on the other hand, offers a more flexible approach. Notifications can be sent without requiring a pass update. They appear as standard Android notifications and alert the user that a new message has been added to the pass.

This feature allows for more dynamic use, especially for reminders or promotional offers. Google Wallet also offers two options: display the message only in the pass details or generate a notification in addition to displaying it on the pass.

Updating Card Information and Triggering Alerts

Neostore allows dynamic management of passes (Apple Wallet and Google Wallet) through its unified API. This means that the information displayed on the passes can be updated at any time directly from your connected systems (CRM, ticketing, POS, etc.). For example:

• Modify a field such as the remaining balance on a gift card.
• Update an expiration date for a coupon or a ticket.
• Add or change a promotional offer displayed on a pass.

When an update is made, it is synchronized in real-time with Apple and Google Wallet. A push notification is then automatically generated to inform the user of the change.

Types of Notifications

Geolocation-Based Notifications

These notifications are triggered based on the user’s geographic location. To do this, Apple Wallet uses GPS coordinates to identify when the user enters or exits a defined area, such as a store or event. Meanwhile, Google Wallet relies on Google Maps information associated with the Google account to determine proximity to a specific location.

Date- or Calendar-Based Notifications

These notifications are scheduled to be sent at a specific date or time.

Brands can define reminders or alerts based on the validity of a pass or an event.

Event-Triggered Notifications via Neostore

Neostore can automatically trigger a notification following a specific event captured by your connected systems (CRM, POS, ticketing, etc.). Through its API, Neostore connects to your systems to detect events such as a purchase, accumulation of loyalty points, or a cancellation.

Notifications via Beacon Tags

When the user is near a specific physical location, a notification is triggered. How is this possible? Thanks to beacon tags, which use Bluetooth technology to detect nearby devices. This functionality is available exclusively with Apple Wallet.

Manual Notifications in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet

With Apple Wallet, it is possible to customize both the title and content of the push notification. This customization allows the message to be adapted directly to the lock screen of the user.

In addition to the notification message, Apple Wallet also allows for updating the information visible on the back of the pass. For example, you can update details such as an offer or an event schedule.

For Google Wallet, you cannot customize the title or content directly visible in the notification. The notification only serves to indicate that an update has been made to the pass. Consequently, the user must open the pass to view the updated information.

Key Differences

Notification Triggering

Apple Wallet imposes significant restrictions on notifications. These can only be triggered by a pass update, limiting their flexibility for dynamic campaigns. Notifications directly contain the message content but do not support clickable links within the notification itself.

In contrast, Google Wallet offers greater freedom. Notifications can include text, clickable links, and other interactive elements. They are also independent of pass updates, enabling more use cases, particularly for marketing. However, this flexibility comes with a price: only three notifications per day per pass are allowed.

Push Notification Content

For Apple Wallet, when a push notification is sent, the message content can be displayed directly in the notification itself. The user does not need to open the pass to view the information.

On the other hand, Google Wallet push notifications do not allow the message content to be displayed directly in the notification. Instead, they typically serve to alert the user that a new message or update has been added to the pass. The user must then open the pass to view the details.

Value-Added Opportunities

For Google Wallet, “Value-Added Opportunities” allow enriching passes with interactive content. These elements include:

• A personalized title to capture attention.
• A concise description to provide more context.
• A visual image to make the pass more attractive.
• A clickable link, allowing the user to be redirected to a product page, special offer, or event.

Thus, the pass becomes an interactive touchpoint that engages the customer daily!

Do we find this functionality in Apple Wallet? The answer is no. The information remains static or contextual (e.g., automatic field updates) without additional interaction such as a link redirecting the user to external content.

Tracking and ROI in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet

Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are designed to protect user privacy, meaning they do not directly provide detailed statistics on the use of passes.

However, it is possible to work around this limitation by adding tracking mechanisms and indirect metrics to measure ROI, such as links inserted into passes (e.g., in text fields or via the “Value-Added Opportunities” of Google Wallet), which can be equipped with UTM parameters or shortened links.

Neostore: Simplify Mobile Wallet Management with a Unified API

Management via a Unified API

Neostore centralizes the management of the two main mobile wallet platforms, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, via a single API. This has several advantages for brands and developers:

• Simplified Integration: A single API reduces technical complexity and the time required to integrate the features of both platforms.

• Flexibility: Brands can easily launch passes (loyalty cards, tickets, coupons, etc.) tailored to both platforms without worrying about technical specifics.

Communication Hub for Mobile Wallets

Neostore is more than just a pass management tool. It acts as a communication hub, enabling brands to interact with their customers directly through their mobile wallets. The solution synchronizes in real-time with your point-of-sale, ticketing, and CRM systems for smooth and effortless management.

From the Neostore platform, you can:

• Manage the sending of notifications in accordance with the specifics of each platform.
• Personalize passes with dynamic data, such as customized promotions, tailored messages, or interactive fields.
• Collect and analyze user interactions with their passes (additions, deletions, etc.).

Conclusion

Push notifications in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet provide powerful tools to engage users and deliver relevant information. While their functionalities differ, they share common characteristics centered on personalization and context.

Apple Wallet is ideal for discreet and contextual updates, while Google Wallet offers greater flexibility for interactive campaigns. By combining both platforms, brands can maximize their reach and deliver a seamless user experience.