Apple is taking another major step toward digital convenience with the introduction of the Apple Wallet digital ID. The company announced that U.S. users will soon be able to create a digital identity using their passport. This new feature will allow travelers to verify their identity at select TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
It’s a move that shows how Apple Wallet is evolving from a payment and ticket storage app into a powerful tool for secure digital identity management. This update was first mentioned as part of the iOS 26 release. However, Apple later clarified that it would arrive in a future software update. The delay only seems to have built more anticipation among users eager to streamline their travel experience.
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Expanding Beyond Payments
Apple Wallet started as a simple place to store credit cards and boarding passes. Over time, it has grown into something much more versatile. The Apple Wallet digital ID feature represents Apple’s commitment to redefining how users manage and protect their personal information.
Currently, Apple Wallet supports government IDs in 12 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. That’s roughly one-third of all U.S. license holders. This steady rollout shows Apple’s focus on working closely with local and federal authorities to ensure privacy, security, and compliance. The upcoming passport-linked digital ID feature will make the Wallet even more useful for frequent travelers.
A Step Toward Easier TSA Checkpoints
Travelers know how time-consuming airport security can be. Apple’s new digital ID won’t replace a physical passport, but it will make the verification process faster at TSA checkpoints. By storing your passport-linked identity in Apple Wallet, you can move through security with less hassle.
This is especially important now that Real ID rules are being enforced across the U.S. As of May, many state IDs no longer meet TSA’s identification requirements. Having a verified Apple Wallet digital ID could help travelers avoid unnecessary delays or confusion at airports.
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Announced at Money 20/20 USA
The official announcement came from Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. She revealed the news at the Money 20/20 USA conference, a major event for fintech innovation. Bailey’s presentation emphasized Apple’s mission to make Wallet more than just a payment tool. It’s becoming a central hub for digital life, combining payments, identity, keys, and passes in one secure place.
Bailey also shared impressive statistics about Apple Pay and Wallet adoption worldwide. According to her, Apple Pay is now available in 89 global markets, supported by over 11,000 banks and networks. In the United States, Apple Pay adoption has soared to 90% of retailers, compared to only 3% when it launched 11 years ago. These numbers highlight the growing trust in Apple’s financial and identity ecosystem.
Apple Wallet’s Expanding Ecosystem
Apple Wallet now supports much more than payments and IDs. Users can save car keys, hotel keys, transit passes, and even event tickets. Transit passes are already active in more than 250 regions and 800 cities worldwide. Over 2 million hotel room keys have been added to Wallet, representing 65,000 hotels globally.
The Car Key feature is another innovative part of the Wallet experience. It allows drivers to unlock and start their vehicles directly from their iPhone or Apple Watch. Today, 29 car manufacturers and over 300 car models support this functionality. Apple’s expansion into transportation and travel clearly shows the company’s long-term vision for a completely digital lifestyle.
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Privacy and Security at the Core
When it comes to storing sensitive information like a passport or driver’s license, security is the top concern. Apple has built the Apple Wallet digital ID system with the same privacy standards that define all its products. The company states that users’ data is encrypted, stored securely on the device, and never shared with Apple or third parties without consent.
Each digital ID is verified by the issuing authority, and biometric authentication through Face ID or Touch ID adds another layer of protection. This ensures that even if your device is lost or stolen, no one can access your personal information.
Apple’s approach aligns with its long-standing focus on privacy as a human right. The Apple Wallet digital ID represents the future of secure identity verification, one that’s both convenient and trustworthy.
Preparing for a Digital Identity Future
The move toward digital identification isn’t just a trend. It’s a necessary evolution in a world that values speed, security, and convenience. Other countries have already started exploring similar systems, but Apple’s solution may set the global standard.
By combining strong encryption, biometric authentication, and seamless integration with iOS, Apple has created a foundation for how digital IDs could work in everyday life. Soon, travelers may be able to use their iPhone to confirm their identity at airports, hotels, and government offices — all without needing a physical document.
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The Bigger Picture
The Apple Wallet digital ID is more than a technological upgrade. It’s part of a broader shift toward a digital-first world. Just as Apple Pay transformed mobile payments, digital IDs may redefine how we prove who we are. From boarding planes to checking into hotels, everything could soon happen with a single tap.
Apple’s innovation continues to blur the line between the physical and digital worlds. By offering secure, verified digital identification, the company is setting the stage for a future where identity management is effortless and safe.
TheTechCrunch: Conclusion
The Apple Wallet digital ID marks the beginning of a new era for personal identification. It reflects Apple’s ongoing effort to simplify daily life while maintaining the highest standards of security and privacy. With support for passports, state IDs, car keys, and more, Apple Wallet is becoming a complete ecosystem for digital convenience.
As the rollout begins in the United States, the rest of the world will be watching closely. The success of this feature could redefine how people think about identity verification, transforming the iPhone into not just a smartphone but a true digital identity companion.
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