Apple starts rolling out Passbook enabled Apple Store gift cards

Apple's Passbook application is a place to store virtual versions of credit cards, airline tickets, gift cards and thanks to Siri's new-found ability in iOS 6.1, even movie tickets. Unlike Google Wallet and Isis, Passbook doesn't require NFC connectivity. All you need for Passbook is a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

The Apple Store gift cards can be received via email (L) or stored in Passbook

Apple has been trying to expand the usefulness of Passbook and has started selling gift cards for the Apple Store that are enabled for Passbook. The cards can be bought using the Apple Store app which was recently updated, and is available in prices ranging from $25 to $2,000. The cards come in three colors and if the recipient doesn't have Passbook to store the digital gift cards in, he or she can receive an email that can be printed out. If the lucky recipient does have Passbook, he or she can take advantage of an option that uses the gift receiver's zip code to receive a notification whenever he or she is close to a bricks and mortar Apple Store.

This is the perfect time of the year for Apple to introduce these digital Apple Store Gift cards. With Black Friday coming a week from next Friday, buying the card and sending it to the recipient is a snap and allows you to avoid the traffic, long lines at the mall and the pressure that comes from trying to find the perfect gift for every one on your list.

source: iTunes