Apple has announced plans to launch a new feature on Apple Wallet that will enable U.S. users to create a digital ID using their passport. This digital ID can then be utilized at selected TSA checkpoints for domestic travel, offering a convenient and secure alternative for travelers.
The upcoming feature, part of the iOS 26 release, expands the functionality of Apple Wallet beyond payment and ticket storage to include digital identity management. While the support for government IDs in Apple Wallet is currently available in 12 states and Puerto Rico, the passport-integrated Digital ID feature is set to be included in a future software update.
Although the digital IDs will not replace physical passports, they are expected to streamline the TSA checkpoint process, complementing Apple Wallet’s existing support for digital boarding passes. This initiative becomes crucial with the enforcement of Real ID rules, which have made many state IDs insufficient for TSA verification.
In addition to payment functionalities, Apple Wallet offers diverse features such as storing car keys, transit passes, and hotel keys. The app supports transit in over 250 regions and 800 cities worldwide, with more than 2 million hotel room keys provisioned. Furthermore, 29 car manufacturers and 300 models now integrate Car Key in Wallet, enhancing the digital experience for users.
Source: TechCrunch