Apple adds digital ID to iPhone, Apple Watch wallets

Apple has launched Digital ID, allowing users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their US passport and present it with an iPhone or Apple Watch.

The feature is available immediately and will first be accepted in beta at over 250 TSA checkpoints in US airports for domestic travel.

Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossing.

Users can add a Digital ID by scanning their passport and verifying their identity with facial movements and a selfie.

Data from the passport is stored on the device and protected with encryption and biometric authentication.

Apple said it does not access information about when or where users present their Digital ID.

🔗 Source: Apple

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Digital ID “beta” at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) varies by terminal

Apple says it will reach checkpoints at 250+ airports, but TSA’s FAQ says availability differs by terminal and checkpoint 1.
TSA began full enforcement of REAL ID (a U.S. federal standard for state-issued IDs) on May 7, so travelers with non‑compliant IDs face extra screening 2. A Digital ID made from a passport can help travelers in states without Wallet support for driver’s licenses or state IDs 3, though they should carry a physical ID in case a location declines Digital ID 2.
Facial comparison is optional, and photos are deleted after verification 4. Wallet presentation needs Face ID or Touch ID before each use 5, which adds a second biometric check.

Third-party apps can use Wallet for age and identity checks via Apple’s APIs

The Verify with Wallet API lets non‑Apple apps ask for data from a user’s Wallet ID with explicit consent 6. It can speed up age checks for delivery and hotel check‑ins without scans or selfies.
Developers need an entitlement (an Apple‑granted permission for an app capability) from the Apple Developer Program and must state what data they request and why 6. Apps get government‑verified data from a passport‑derived Digital ID and decrypt the response on servers to confirm authenticity for stronger security 6.
Safari (Apple’s web browser) and WebKit (its browser engine) will support the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Digital Credentials API for online ID checks across devices including Mac computers 7.