Apple to launch iPhone ‘digital passports’

Many frequent travellers already carry a photo or scan of their passport in their smartphone, for ready reference when completing immigration forms, visa-on-arrival applications and the like.

Apple is now taking that a step further, with ‘digital passports’ to be stored in the Wallet app.

The iPhone Wallet already supports a US-based digital ID card.

However, the next version of its iPhone software – due to be released in mid-September as iOS26 – will go a step further, letting users save a digital copy of their US passport in the Wallet.

Apple says this digital passport will be secure, private, and compliant with the USA’s Real ID standard, which allows for Real ID-compliant forms of identification to be used for air travel.

That means the iPhone’s digital passport will be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration for TSA Precheck or Clear checkpoints at more than 250 domestic airports ahead of flights.

The passport-based digital ID will also be accepted for age and identity verification in apps, online, and in stores, according to Apple.

However, the digital passport won’t replace a physical one when it comes to international trips or land border crossings (such as hopping across from the USA to Canada or Mexico).

The concept of a digital TravelPass was briefly in vogue during the pandemic.

How iPhone digital passports will work

This Digital Passport card inside the Apple Wallet is generated by scanning your physical passport using the iPhone’s camera and verifying it with biometric authentication, either Face ID or Touch ID.

“Digital ID offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch,” Apple said in a statement.

“Users can seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a US passport.”

Google’s competing Android software has supported digital passports since 2024.

Smartphone passports have already been approved for use ahead of domestic flights at all major California airports, although a physical passport is still required for international travel.

And even on domestic flights, the TSA says travellers should still bring their physical passport as a backup “in case it is needed.”

A wide range of Digital ID cards can be securely stored in the smartphone's wallet.

Will digital passports replace the real thing?

While the iPhone’s Digital ID is currently available only in the US, Apple is in discussions with European and Asian governments to bring Digital ID onto the world stage.

Japan will add its government-issued My Number digital ID to the iPhone’s Apple Wallet this year, with it appearing as a card in the iOS Wallet.

Several other countries have adopted various forms of secure government-recognised ID apps which could be integrated into the smartphone’s Wallet app.

Smartphone-based ID “offers a revolutionary approach to personal identification by securely storing individuals’ biometric and identity information in a digital format on their smartphones or other devices,” explains biometric ID firm Veridas.

“These IDs utilise biometric data like facial scans, alongside traditional credentials such as passwords or PINs, to authenticate users.”

“Think of it as a virtual version of your physical driver’s license or passport, but much more versatile and secure.”

Also read: Australia now has the world’s most expensive passport