Apple is preparing to roll out a new digital passport ID feature for its Wallet app, giving U.S. travelers the ability to use a virtual form of identification at select TSA checkpoints. This long-awaited update was first previewed during the announcement of iOS 26, marking another major step toward turning Apple Wallet into a complete digital identity hub — not just a place to store payment cards or boarding passes.
At present, Apple Wallet already supports driver’s licenses and state IDs in 12 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, covering nearly one-third of all U.S. license holders. However, the company’s plan to integrate passport-linked digital IDs didn’t make it into the initial iOS 26 release. Apple has now confirmed that this new feature will arrive in an upcoming software update.
While this new addition won’t replace the physical U.S. passport entirely, it’s designed to streamline domestic air travel by allowing verified users to move through TSA security checkpoints more quickly. The feature will integrate with Wallet’s digital boarding pass system, reducing the need for passengers to handle multiple physical documents when flying.
The update comes as Real ID enforcement has begun across the U.S., requiring compliant identification for domestic air travel. The introduction of passport-based digital IDs could therefore offer a convenient alternative for travelers who don’t yet have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license.
Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Wallet, Jennifer Bailey, officially announced the upcoming feature at the Money 20/20 USA conference. During her presentation, Bailey highlighted the growing adoption of Wallet and Apple Pay, sharing some impressive statistics: Apple Pay is now supported in 89 global markets and integrated with more than 11,000 banks and payment networks, including 15 within the U.S. She also revealed that 90% of U.S. retailers now accept Apple Pay — a massive leap from just 3% when it launched more than a decade ago.
Beyond payments, Bailey emphasized Apple Wallet’s evolution into a multi-purpose digital companion. Today, it can store car keys, hotel room keys, and public transit passes. Over 2 million digital hotel keys have been activated so far, spanning more than 65,000 rooms worldwide. Additionally, 29 automakers now support Wallet’s Car Key feature across 300+ vehicle models.
With the upcoming digital passport integration, Apple Wallet is set to become an even more powerful tool — blending security, convenience, and mobility into a single app experience.
