Apple is once again trying to replace what’s in your wallet. The company has introduced Digital ID, a new feature for iPhone and Apple Watch that lets U.S. users create a digital identity using information from their passport. Starting in beta at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 U.S. airports, travelers can use it for identity verification during domestic flights without showing a physical ID.
This move builds on Apple’s 2022 feature that allowed users to add driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet. But this new option is especially appealing for those who don’t have a REAL ID compliant license. By scanning the passport photo page and embedded chip, then completing a quick selfie verification, users can add their Digital ID in minutes. It is not a replacement for a passport, so no international travel just yet, but it is another step toward Apple’s goal of replacing everything from credit cards to keys.
Apple says privacy is central to the feature. The company claims it cannot see where or when a user presents their Digital ID, and all data stays encrypted on the device. Identification requires Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring that only the device owner can use it. For now, Digital ID is limited to airport checkpoints, but Apple plans to expand it to apps, websites, and select businesses for age and identity verification.
That might sound convenient, but it also raises questions about centralizing personal identity under Apple’s control. The same company that sells you privacy as a feature now wants to be your ID provider. For some, that is peace of mind. For others, it is a reason to keep a real wallet handy.
