In A Groundbreaking Move set to transform how Americans travel and verify their identity, Apple has announced that iPhone users will soon be able to add a Digital Version of their U.S. passport to the Wallet App.
This Feature, expected to roll out by the end of 2025, promises enhanced convenience for domestic air travel and everyday identity checks, though it won't replace the need for a Physical Passport.
The Announcement and Timeline
The Revelation came from Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, during her keynote address at the Money20/20 USA conference in Las Vegas. Bailey emphasized that the feature is coming "Soon," aligning with Apple's updated iOS 26 webpage, which now states the digital ID support for U.S. Passports will be available "Later This Year."
This Marks a Significant Update from Earlier Delays, with the company confirming a launch before the close of 2025.
Apple Has Been Developing This Technology For At Least Seven Years, including filing patents that enhance security through biometric authentication. The feature is anticipated to arrive via a software update, potentially iOS 26.1 or later, or through a server-side rollout, as references to specific updates have been removed from Apple's site.
How the Digital Passport Will Work
Users will be able to create and store a digital passport directly in the Wallet app on their iPhone. At select TSA Checkpoints in U.S. airports, this digital ID can be presented for identity verification during domestic flights, streamlining the security process alongside digital boarding passes.
Importantly, Apple stresses that this is not a substitute for a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossings.
Beyond Airports, the Digital Passport Will Support age and identity verification in apps, online platforms, and physical stores. This expands on Apple's existing digital ID ecosystem, which already includes driver's licenses and state IDs in 10 U.S. states, such as Arizona and Georgia.
The Feature uses the same data as a physical passport, ensuring compliance with REAL ID standards without collecting additional information.
Security and Privacy Focus
Apple Has Positioned the Digital Passport as A Secure and Private Solution. Leveraging biometric features like Face ID or Touch ID, the system aims to provide stronger authentication than traditional passports. The company assures users that the feature is designed with privacy in mind, minimizing data sharing and adhering to high security protocols.
This rollout comes amid the recent enforcement of REAL ID requirements in May 2025, which invalidated some non-compliant state IDs for TSA use, highlighting the need for reliable digital alternatives.
Broader Context in Apple's Ecosystem
The passport integration is part of Apple's broader push to make the iPhone a central hub for daily essentials. Bailey highlighted other Wallet achievements during her speech: Apple Pay is now available in 89 countries and regions, supported by over 11,000 banks and accepted by 90% of U.S. retailers.
Additionally, digital car keys support over 300 vehicle models from 29 brands, transit passes cover more than 800 cities, and hotel key cards are available for over 65,000 rooms worldwide.
Potential Impact and User Reactions
This development could revolutionize domestic travel by reducing the hassle of carrying physical documents, especially for frequent flyers. However, early user feedback on forums like Reddit shows a mix of excitement and skepticism. Some praise the convenience and potential for anonymized verification, while others worry about technical glitches at TSA scanners or broader privacy implications in a digital surveillance era.
Apple has not yet detailed plans for international passport support or expansion beyond U.S. passports, but the company hinted at future possibilities. As the end of 2025 approaches, iPhone users can look forward to a more seamless integration of their digital and physical lives.
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