October 06, 2025
Apple’s iOS 26 Live Airline CX Features Taking Off
During its Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple announced an improved customer experience for iPhone-using airline customers. Offering live updates and boarding passes within iOS Wallet, the feature is now available from selected airlines, as the iOS upgrade is fully available.
Alongside the OS’s liquid glass UI update, passengers can now keep an eager or nervous eye on their flight details, without having to keep their apps constantly open. While the feature can’t do much about air traffic control strikes and cyberattacks, United and Air Canada are among the first to offer it to reduce boarding pass stress.
Air Canada’s updated app store page highlights the improvements as:
- Upgraded Apple Wallet Boarding Pass: Customers using iOS 26 can now enjoy an enhanced experience with a cleaner layout, high-contrast backgrounds, improved information hierarchy, and better readability.
- Live Activities Enhancement: From gate departure until arrival, tapping your Live Activity will now take you directly to our industry-leading flight status experience.
The rise of Smart Airlines and Airports
CXM is keeping a keen eye on improving customer experience. Notable efforts include Istanbul Airport gaining Level 5 ACI accreditation, JFK’s new Terminal 4 focused on a next-gen customer experience, and even little Luton Airport making trips a better experience for those who need assisted travel.
This iOS feature will help passengers wherever they are as more airlines support it with coming updates. Any gate changes or timing adjustments will be visible immediately, likely ahead of the flight information screens.
Expect more to adopt the Wallet features in the coming weeks. United Airlines’ app is also updated.
But, at the other end of the passenger scale, the US airline is more interested in sharing the success of its high-end gate-to-gate transfers in style. A summer imitative saw a fleet of all-electric BMW vehicles operating across Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, O’Hare and other airports.
Agents helped MileagePlus Premier members with tight connections get to their next flight in comfort, with a range of luxury extras in the BMW fleet to entertain them on the journey.
The Changing Face of Flight
Back to the apps, users can also share their flight details with friends, colleagues or family to keep parties in the loop.
Other airlines listed as updating their apps include Virgin Australia, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Jetstar, Lufthansa, Qantas and others.
Soon it shouldn’t be too long before integrated apps support both airline and airport experiences, suggesting useful ways for passengers to spend their airside time, be they busy executives, people looking for a specific type of restaurant or just a quiet corner to rest in before the flight.
As well as highlight flight changes, delays, and provide an improved feature to offer delayed passengers a reasonable flow of information. That could include hotel options and rebates, compensation or discounts, rather than dragging passengers through most airlines’ horrendous reclaim systems.
In related high-quality airport news, Star Alliance Los Angeles Lounge won North America’s Leading Airport Lounge award for a sixth consecutive year.
With a spacious 18,000 square foot layout, the LAX lounge is known for its outdoor terrace featuring firepits, a tranquil water wall, and sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills.
From relaxed daytime charm to a vibrant evening setting, it offers travellers a unique space to dine, work or simply unwind before their flight.
