Apple has taken a significant step to simplify the travel process for its users by introducing a new feature that allows passengers to store their US passports within the Wallet app. This digital ID will enable travelers to present it at TSA checkpoints without needing to carry a physical copy of their passport, thus alleviating one of the most frustrating aspects of traveling.
The Real ID debacle has been a thorn in the side of many, and Apple's move is a welcome relief for those who still haven't upgraded their driver's license. However, not all airports have TSA readers equipped with the technology to scan these digital IDs just yet, so it's advisable to bring along a physical passport until the system is fully implemented.
The Digital ID feature was first announced as part of iOS 26 and allows users to store passports alongside other government-issued IDs like driver's licenses and state IDs. The process involves taking a selfie and completing some facial recognition movements for security purposes. Once done, these digital IDs will be visible on both iPhones and Apple Watches.
While the introduction of this feature is primarily aimed at domestic flights, it has broader implications, with plans to expand its use beyond air travel. Apple aims to have businesses accept these IDs as a form of age verification. Currently, the service is being rolled out across more than 250 US-based airports, but users should be aware that it's only used for ID purposes on domestic flights; if traveling internationally, a physical passport remains necessary.
The feature adds passports to the list of existing government-issued IDs supported in Apple Wallet, which already accepts driver's licenses and state IDs. However, these won't be valid for flying unless they meet the Real ID standards or are passports. With this new Digital ID feature, Apple is taking a major step towards making travel more convenient and efficient for its users.
The Real ID debacle has been a thorn in the side of many, and Apple's move is a welcome relief for those who still haven't upgraded their driver's license. However, not all airports have TSA readers equipped with the technology to scan these digital IDs just yet, so it's advisable to bring along a physical passport until the system is fully implemented.
The Digital ID feature was first announced as part of iOS 26 and allows users to store passports alongside other government-issued IDs like driver's licenses and state IDs. The process involves taking a selfie and completing some facial recognition movements for security purposes. Once done, these digital IDs will be visible on both iPhones and Apple Watches.
While the introduction of this feature is primarily aimed at domestic flights, it has broader implications, with plans to expand its use beyond air travel. Apple aims to have businesses accept these IDs as a form of age verification. Currently, the service is being rolled out across more than 250 US-based airports, but users should be aware that it's only used for ID purposes on domestic flights; if traveling internationally, a physical passport remains necessary.
The feature adds passports to the list of existing government-issued IDs supported in Apple Wallet, which already accepts driver's licenses and state IDs. However, these won't be valid for flying unless they meet the Real ID standards or are passports. With this new Digital ID feature, Apple is taking a major step towards making travel more convenient and efficient for its users.
it's literally gonna save us so much time at airports 
️ i'm low-key excited about this new feature from apple, but i do hope more airports get those tsa readers equipped soon 
and i wonder if they'll accept these digital ids internationally too 
I'm glad they're rolling it out across 250+ US airports first, but hopefully, it'll be a smooth transition for all travelers soon. The fact that they're expanding this feature beyond air travel and getting businesses on board is super exciting! Imagine not having to carry around an extra item when flying abroad 
Only thing I'd like to see is more transparency on the international travel aspect - will we need physical passports in those situations too? Just a thought 
i'm so down for this digital id thing in apple wallet! no more digging through my purse for passport just to get on a flight 
it's gonna be a game changer. but like, what's up with the airports not having those tsa readers yet? 
can't we just have everything online already? 
I'm loving how Apple is simplifying travel for us! 
. But, gotta say, not all airports are set up to scan digital IDs just yet... 
. Still, this is a huge step forward! 
And who knows, maybe one day we'll ditch our passports altogether and travel with just our Apple Watches 
. Wouldn't that be something? 
. it's about time apple stepped up their game on this one. but, I gotta say, 250 airports is a pretty slow rollout, lol 
. can't we just have seamless travel experience like that already? still, props to apple for making this happen 
. and now they're gonna make air travel even more convenient with businesses accepting these IDs as age verification... genius 
!
. Not all airports have the necessary tech yet, so we need to keep our physical passports handy. And what about international flights? Do we really want to rely on digital IDs alone for border control? I'm all for innovation, but let's make sure we're not sacrificing security just yet 
. Still, kudos to Apple for taking the lead on this one! 
. And it's also awesome that they're planning to use these digital IDs as age verification for businesses – that could make life easier for people in the future