Apple has confirmed plans to bring digital U.S. passports to the iPhone Wallet app by the end of 2025, expanding its Digital ID program already used for driver's licenses and state IDs in over a dozen states.
Announcement
The feature was first mentioned at WWDC 25, but missing from the iOS 26 launch earlier this month, remains absent from the current iOS 26.1 developer beta.
However, Apple now modifies the footnotes of iOS 26 feature page, explaining that it would arrive later this year (likely through iOS 26.1 or 26.2) with US passports only.
How the Digital Passport Functions
Users can add their passport by scanning it with the iPhone camera, verifying identity via Face ID or Touch ID, and awaiting government approval.
Once stored, it uses NFC or Bluetooth for contactless sharing, displaying only needed details like photos and expiration dates.
Primary applications include faster TSA checkpoints for domestic flights—pairing with mobile boarding passes—and quick age or identity verifications in stores or apps.
It supports REAL ID compliance but does not replace physical passports for international travel and works offline.
Supported Use Cases
- TSA security lanes at U.S. airports.
- Age-restricted purchases, such as alcohol.
- Secure app and website logins.
Security & Privacy Focus
Data remains encrypted in the iPhone's Secure Enclave chip, with no access by Apple servers.
Each presentation requires user consent, sharing minimal information through privacy-preserving methods.
This setup addresses risks like device compromise via biometric locks and remote wipe options.
While pilots since 2021 show high satisfaction and few breaches, concerns linger about surveillance potential, drawing parallels to past debates on digital health passes.
Reactions & Broader Impact
Online discussions reveal enthusiasm for reduced travel hassles, alongside privacy worries.
Media coverage praises TSA efficiency but stresses the physical passport's ongoing role.
The update aligns with global shifts, like the EU's eIDAS 2.0 mandate for digital wallets by 2026, and could standardize U.S. mobile IDs for 80 million annual domestic flyers.
Future Expansions
No international passport support is planned yet, though EU compliance hints at broader reach by 2026, including more verifier integrations.
@@@#$
Editor's Comments
This development marks a practical evolution in mobile identity, enhancing convenience for frequent travelers while reinforcing Apple's privacy standards amid rising digital verification demands.
Building on successful state ID integrations, it could set a benchmark for secure, user-controlled IDs, though equitable access for non-smartphone users remains a challenge.
Looking ahead, expect accelerated adoption tied to REAL ID deadlines, potentially influencing similar features in Android ecosystems and fostering international interoperability.
Follow Us on Facebook
