Apple is preparing to launch a digital passport ID feature in Apple Wallet, giving U.S. travelers the ability to move through TSA checkpoints faster and more securely. Announced by Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, at the Money 20/20 USA conference, the new functionality represents the next evolution of Wallet — from a payments tool to a complete digital identity platform.
The feature, first introduced with iOS 26, will allow users to create a secure digital ID linked to their U.S. passport. While it won’t replace the physical passport, it can be used at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel, complementing Wallet’s existing boarding pass capabilities. Apple says the feature will arrive in an upcoming software update.
Supporting Travelers Amid Real ID Changes
The new passport-linked digital ID rollout comes at a critical time. With the Real ID Act now in enforcement as of May 2025, many traditional state IDs no longer meet federal travel requirements. The new Wallet feature could help travelers adapt by offering a secure, TSA-approved alternative that simplifies airport identification.
Currently, Apple Wallet supports government-issued IDs in 12 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, covering about one-third of license holders. The passport-based system is expected to significantly expand this reach and improve the airport screening process by integrating with the TSA’s growing digital ID network.
Apple Pay and Wallet’s Global Growth
Bailey also highlighted Apple Wallet’s global expansion beyond the U.S. Apple Pay is now available in 89 markets worldwide, supported by over 11,000 banks and networks, including 15 domestic payment networks. In the United States alone, 90% of retailers now accept Apple Pay, a dramatic leap from just 3% at launch 11 years ago.
Apple’s growing presence in the payments ecosystem underscores the company’s long-term goal: to make the iPhone a central hub for both financial transactions and personal identity management.
Beyond Payments: The Wallet of the Future
Bailey emphasized that Apple Wallet is evolving far beyond payments. The app already allows users to store car keys, transit passes, hotel room keys, and event credentials, all secured by Face ID or Touch ID.
- Transit options are now supported in 250 regions across 800 cities worldwide.
- More than 2 million digital hotel room keys have been provisioned, covering 65,000 hotel rooms globally.
- The Car Key feature supports 29 automakers and over 300 vehicle models, allowing users to unlock and start their cars directly from Wallet.
These developments reinforce Apple’s broader ambition to make Wallet an all-in-one digital identity and access tool — one that can handle everything from payments and travel to personal verification.
As Bailey concluded, Apple’s goal is clear: “Your iPhone will be the only thing you need to carry.” With the coming addition of digital passport IDs, that vision is one step closer to reality.
