Apple will soon launch a digital passport storage feature in the Apple Wallet application, allowing users in the US to create an electronic ID using a passport to use when traveling domestically.
With this feature, passengers can submit their digital ID at checkpoints of the US Transportation Security Agency (TSA), saving time and reducing paperwork.
This is considered the next step in the strategy of turning Wallet into a safe digital identity platform, not just stopping at the role of payment or electronic ticket storage.
According to Apple, government ID support in Wallet has been rolled out in 12 states and Puerto Rico, accounting for nearly a third of US driver's license holders.
However, the Digital passport ID feature has not appeared in iOS 26 and is expected to launch in the upcoming software update.
The integration of passports into Wallet comes as the US federal Real ID regulation took effect last May, requiring people to use a new standard ID to get through the TSA control station. Many state driving licenses will no longer be eligible, making the need for a federal compatible digital ID urgent.
At the Money 20/20 USA conference, Ms. Jennifer Bailey, Vice President in charge of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, emphasized that Apple is moving towards a trustworthy digital identity ecosystem where users can manage personal information safely, conveniently and with maximum protection.
Currently, Apple Pay is active in 89 global markets, cooperating with more than 11,000 banks and 15 domestic payment networks.
In the US, 90% of retailers have accepted payment using Apple Pay, a leap forward from the 3% figure when launched 11 years ago.
In addition to payment, Wallet is increasingly diversifying features such as car key storage, public transport card, hotel room key and event card.
The app now supports public transport in 800 cities, more than 65,000 hotels and 29 automakers, allowing users to unlock their vehicles using a Car Key integrated into the Wallet.
With the introduction of digital passports into the ecosystem, Apple is gradually shaping the future of digital identity, where phones can replace real wallets, containing everything from air tickets, bank cards to identification documents.
