WANDERLUST NEWS
Apple unveils new Digital ID for US travellers Apple unveils new Digital ID for US travellers
Much has been made of iOS26’s new ‘liquid glass’ look, but in the discussions over the design, you might have missed the announcement of a major new feature in Apple Wallet: Digital ID.
Users with a US passport will be able to create and add a Digital ID to their phones which can then be used at select TSA checkpoints during domestic travel. You will still need a physical passport for international travel.
The news comes after REAL ID enforcement came into effect last month on 7 May. Those travel domestically are now required to carry a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other federally accepted identification to board flights, and to access certain federal facilities.
Apple has also unveiled refreshed boarding passes, currently available with airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Australia, with plans to roll them out further in the near future.
The new experience allows you to quickly open Maps to navigate to your airport terminal, and to access Find My to track luggage or other items using your AirTags.
US users have been able to add their driving licence or state ID to their Apple Wallet since May 2024, but only in select states.
Earlier this year, the UK government announced that it would be rolling out a GOV.UK Wallet to add government-issued documents to your phone, including veteran cards and driver’s licences. These would be accepted in shops and online for the purchase of age-restricted items such as alcohol and cigarettes.
The GOV.UK Wallet will be rolled out on iOS and Android at some point this summer, with the mobile driver’s licence piloted later on in 2025.
While the announcement makes no mention of domestic travel, those boarding internal UK flights can currently travel using a valid driving licence, an armed forces identity card or a HM Armed Forces Veteran card, which would be available via the new wallet.
