Apple says U.S. passport digital IDs are coming to Wallet ‘soon’

Apple announced that it will soon enable U.S. users to add their passports as digital IDs in the Apple Wallet app, allowing travelers to use these digital IDs at select TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. This feature, initially expected with iOS 16 but delayed to a future update, complements Apple Wallet’s expanding role beyond payments to securely storing digital identities. While these digital IDs will not replace physical passports, they aim to expedite TSA screening, especially important given the recent enforcement of stricter ID requirements that have rendered many state-issued IDs insufficient for travel. The announcement was made by Jennifer Bailey, Apple Pay and Wallet VP, at the Money 20/20 USA conference, where she also highlighted Wallet’s broad adoption: Apple Pay is now available in 89 markets with support from over 11,000 banks and networks, including 15 domestic networks, and 90% of U.S. retailers accept Apple Pay. Bailey emphasized Wallet’s growing non-payment uses, such as storing car keys (supported by