Getting started with Passbook on iOS 6

(Credit: Jason Cipriani/CNET)

Passbook is Apple's first foray into something that slightly resembles a mobile payment solution. Passbook is a new app included in iOS 6 that allows merchants to develop Passes to be stored in the user's Passbook.

With the release of iOS 6 only a few hours old, there aren't too many examples of apps that have incorporated Passbook into them, so I used this site to help me make some sample Passes just for this post.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)

When you launch Passbook for the first time, it will more than likely be empty. There will be a link that takes you to the App Store to help you find apps with Passbook integration.

Apps aren't the only way to add Passes to your Passbook, however. Passes can be downloaded through Safari or the Mail app on your iPhone or iPod Touch, along with the same apps on OS X 10.8.2. Notice the iPad isn't one of the devices in that list. Apple chose to not include Passbook, or its capabilities, on the iPad.

• (Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)


• 
  

  Adding a Pass is easy. When you open the Pass, no matter what the source is, you're able to preview it. There's a front and back, both of which contain information about the Pass. If you're satisfied with the information on the Pass, tap on Add.

  
  


• [Read more]