Apple Wallet got a bunch of new features in iOS 26, including the recently released Digital ID that, along with AI order tracking, fix key shortcomings in previously launched Wallet features.
#1: Order tracking powered by Apple Intelligence
Back in iOS 16, Apple launched a new Wallet feature that initially sounded great: online order tracking.
The idea was that Wallet could be a one-stop hub for tracking all your various online orders. But in the three years since launch, order tracking never took off. Not because the idea was flawed, but rather due to execution.
Wallet’s first version of order tracking required buy-in from third-party services and merchants. Unsurprisingly, that didn’t go very well, since companies wanted to keep control of the customer relationship themselves.
But iOS 26 has finally brought the fix that order tracking needed.
Thanks to Apple Intelligence, Wallet no longer needs buy-in from third parties, since it can now pull details directly from vendor emails you receive. Per Apple:
Apple Wallet can now identify and summarize order tracking details from emails sent from merchants or delivery carriers. This works across all of a user’s orders, giving them the ability to see their full order details, progress notifications, and more, all in one place.
It’s a clever solution to Wallet’s previous dilemma of relying on third parties. Every online vendor sends confirmation emails about purchases, and typically they follow up with shipping and delivery notices too.
In iOS 26, Wallet can use Apple Intelligence to automatically glean the relevant details from your email inbox and provide the one-stop hub for order tracking it’s long promised.
To access your orders inside Wallet, tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner then hit ‘Orders.’ You can also configure push notifications for orders from inside Wallet’s Notifications menu.
#2: Digital ID with no state rollout needed
Over four years ago, in September 2021, Apple announced that eight US states would roll out support for adding digital driver’s licenses and state IDs to the Wallet app.
Today, the count is up to 12 states total plus Puerto Rico. Three of those 12 just debuted in the last six months.
With 38 states still to go, clearly Apple’s hopes of making Wallet an ID hub haven’t gone well.
But with iOS 26.1 and the recently launched Digital ID, Apple has a welcome solution.
Instead of waiting for states to support digital driver’s licenses in Wallet, Apple has created its own unique alternative.
Digital ID can’t prove that you’re licensed to drive, but it can be helpful in other ways. Per Apple:
Your Digital ID can be presented at TSA checkpoints for identity verification purposes prior to boarding domestic flights and at select businesses and organizations to verify your age or identity in person, apps, and online.
Though it’s not a true replacement for a digital driver’s license, with Digital ID, Apple is pushing forward with its goal of making Wallet an authorized ID source.
Apple says acceptance of Digital ID is rolling out for TSA checkpoints at more than 250 US airports, with more in the works. For example, “you’ll be able to verify your age in Uber Eats for alcohol purchases using your Digital ID.”
Hopefully too, by leading the way with Digital ID and pushing for greater acceptance of digital verification forms, Apple will start seeing more states get on board with driver’s licenses soon.
Which new Apple Wallet features in iOS 26 are you enjoying most? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
