Apple launches Digital ID for Apple Wallet
Apple has taken a significant step towards transforming its Wallet app into a digital identification platform with the launch of its new Digital ID feature. Announced on Wednesday, this innovative addition allows users to securely store and present their identification within Apple Wallet, although it is currently limited to domestic travel within the United States. The rollout will initially be available at over 250 TSA checkpoints across the country, marking a crucial advancement in how individuals can manage their identification during air travel. However, it’s important to note that users will still need to carry a physical passport for international flights, as the Digital ID is not yet accepted for such purposes.
To set up a Digital ID, users must first scan their U.S. passport using their iPhone. The process involves opening the Wallet app, tapping the Add + button, and selecting the option for Driver’s License or ID Cards. Following this, users will scan their passport and the embedded chip within it, alongside completing a series of facial movements to ensure security. Once set up, presenting the Digital ID at TSA checkpoints becomes a streamlined experience: users simply double-click the side button on their iPhone to access Wallet, select their Digital ID, and authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. This feature also extends to the Apple Watch, enhancing convenience for users.
Apple’s vision for Digital ID extends beyond just air travel. The company plans to expand its functionality to allow users to verify their age at venues and use it for identity verification in various applications. One of the key advantages of the Digital ID is its privacy-centric design; when scanned, venues can only access specific information, such as age and photo, without revealing all the data contained on the physical ID. This feature builds upon Apple’s previous introduction of digital driver’s licenses and state IDs, which are already supported in 12 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. As Apple continues to innovate in the realm of digital identification, the Digital ID promises to simplify and secure the way we carry and present our personal information in an increasingly digital world.
Apple
is turning its
Wallet
into something akin to a digital passport — but don’t expect to be flying internationally without a physical passport just yet.
On Wednesday, the company launched Digital ID, which is a way to present your ID in Apple Wallet in a secure and private way.
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The new feature is launching as a fairly limited beta. It will initially be only available in the U.S. for domestic travel only, rolling out to TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports across the country.
To create a Digital ID, users will have to scan their U.S. passport. To do so, open Wallet on your
iPhone
, tap the Add + button at the top of the screen, select Driver’s License or ID Cards, then select Digital ID and follow the instructions.
The process consists of scanning your passport with your iPhone, then scanning the chip that’s embedded in the passport, and occasionally completing a series of facial and head movements (such as closing your eyes) during setup.
Instead of scanning your passport, you’ll be able to scan your Digital ID on select TSA checkpoint locations.
Credit: Apple
When presenting a Digital ID (for example, at a TSA checkpoint), you’ll need to double click the iPhone’s side button to open Wallet and select your Digital ID, hold your iPhone near an identity reader, and then use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate. The process also works with Wallet on
Apple Watch
.
Apple points out that right now, you cannot use Digital ID to travel internationally.
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This is just a start for Digital ID, but Apple has big plans for the feature. For example, in the future you might be able to present your ID to prove your age at a venue that requires it, and you’ll be able to use it for identity verification in certain apps.
The advantage of using Apple’s Digital ID over whipping out a physical ID is that the venue that’s reading it can only verify certain data, such as your age and photo, but they don’t get to see all the data on the ID.
The feature builds on
Apple’s digital driver’s license and state ID
, which launched in 2022. These can already
be added to Wallet in 12 U.S. states
, as well as Puerto Rico.
