(Credit: Apple)
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After first teasing it at WWDC, Apple will soon let some US passport holders add their travel IDs to the iPhone's Wallet app, allowing them to use a passport as a digital ID on various services.
For the last few months, the feature has been touted as part of iOS 26, but when the software launched last week, it wasn't available. Apple changed its marketing materials to say it was coming at a later date. Now, Apple has changed the wording on its website again. As spotted by MacRumors, it now reads, “Digital ID will be coming later this year with US passports only.”
Apple has yet to announce an exact release date for the feature. It’s unlikely to come as part of iOS 26.1, as the feature isn't available in the software's first beta, so it may be part of iOS 26.2.
Digital ID lets you upload your passport details to your iPhone, which you can use as an identification method at retailers or on some online services. It will also work at select TSA checkpoints, so you can use it to travel within the US.
You can show it at some airports in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, and Puerto Rico. Apple says more states are expected to join the scheme soon, and to look for signage as you’re lining up at security.
That said, this is not a replacement for your passport, and you'll be expected to keep your physical ID on you when you travel. It "cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a US passport," Apple says.