Following Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this past June, the company indicated that iOS 26 would allow users to add a U.S. passport to their Apple Wallet. In doing so, users would be able to use their iPhone or Apple Watch as a Digital ID when traveling domestically. The underlying benefit is that the Digital ID is compliant with REAL ID. This is particularly important because state-issued driver’s licenses that aren’t compliant with REAL ID are no longer sufficient for travel. If you show up to the airport without a form of REAL ID, you may not be allowed through security. At best, you’ll be subjected to additional security screening and potential delays.
Apple’s new passport feature would help users avoid this frustration. Apple included the feature on its iOS 26 features page in June, albeit with a footnote that it would arrive “later this year.” Now comes word from Apple executive Jennifer Bailey, via MacRumors, that the feature will be… “coming later this year.” Bailey did not share a specific timeline, but don’t be surprised if Apple delays the feature until December. It would, however, be nice to have the feature go live before the busy Thanksgiving travel season.
Apple’s Digital ID can’t replace your passport
It’s important to mention that Apple’s Digital ID is by no means a replacement for a regular passport. First and foremost, Apple’s passport feature only works for domestic travel. It cannot be used for international trips. If you’re traveling abroad, a regular passport is still necessary. Second, the feature only works in the U.S. If you’re an iPhone or Apple Watch user outside of the United States, you’re unfortunately out of luck. The feature might come to users in other countries at some point in the future, but there’s no timetable for that at the moment.
Third, the feature may not be available at every U.S. airport, though most major airports will likely take it without a problem. The U.S. currently boasts about 487 commercial service airports, of which the TSA notes that more than 250 accept Digital ID. You’re likely fine if you’re traveling between two major U.S. cities, but you might want to double-check with each airport if your digital passport is going to be your only form of ID. Lastly, using a passport as a Digital ID is not uniquely an Apple feature. Similar functionality is already available on Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet.
