Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 update, scheduled for release later this year, will allow iPhone users in the United States to create a digital ID based on their U.S. passport.
The feature will be housed in the iPhone’s Wallet app and marks another step towards Apple’s goal of transforming the smartphone into a digital hub for payments, identification, and travel.
The digital ID will not fully replace a physical passport but will serve in various settings where identification is required — such as select airport checkpoints and mobile applications.
Feature limited to domestic use — for now
While the concept may suggest international travel ease, Apple has clarified that the digital passport ID will not be valid for global travel. Instead, it will be accepted at a growing number of TSA checkpoints within the U.S., allowing travellers to verify their identity without pulling out a physical ID.
As of now, only 14 airports across the U.S. and Puerto Rico accept digital IDs through Apple Wallet, but this number is expected to increase as adoption expands.
Digital ID to function like existing driver’s licence support
The new passport-based ID builds on Apple’s existing support for digital driver’s licences introduced in iOS 16. Currently, residents of nine U.S. states and Puerto Rico can store state-issued IDs in their iPhones.
These states include:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maryland
- New Mexico
- Ohio
Apple has stated that additional states are expected to support the feature in the future.
How the digital passport ID will work
Although the passport-based digital ID is not yet part of the current developer or public beta versions of iOS 26, the expected rollout this fall is likely to follow a verification process similar to that used for driver’s licences.
Users will probably be required to scan their physical passport, take real-time selfies, and follow specific instructions to confirm their identity using the iPhone’s FaceID technology. These materials will be sent to the U.S. Department of State for authentication before the digital ID is approved.
Integration with apps for identity and age verification
Beyond travel, Apple’s digital ID will enable users to verify their identity and age in various apps — such as for online credit applications, financial services, and age-restricted platforms. This expands the utility of the Wallet app beyond in-person use, further integrating it into the digital services ecosystem.
U.S.-only launch, international expansion uncertain
At launch, the feature will only be available for U.S. passport holders. Apple has not commented on whether it is in discussions with governments in other countries to roll out similar capabilities. Any such expansion would require bilateral agreements and legal alignment with international privacy and identity laws.
A step closer to a digital-first lifestyle
Apple's steady efforts to digitise traditional wallet contents — from bank cards to home keys and now official IDs — reflect a broader industry trend. With iOS 26, the iPhone edges closer to becoming a comprehensive, secure personal identity tool, reducing reliance on physical documents in everyday life.
For international travel, physical passport remains essential
Despite the growing convenience, travellers are reminded that a physical passport is still required for international flights. Apple’s digital ID is, for the time being, a complementary convenience, not a replacement for official travel documents.
Source: SAMAA
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
