Apple’s Upcoming Launch: Digital US Passports on iPhone Coming Soon

Apple users eagerly awaited support for US passports in Apple Wallet, a feature promised during the iOS 26.0 rollout. However, the update did not include this feature, with Apple indicating on its website that it would come in a future software update.

Subsequent updates clarified that digital passports were still on track for release by the end of 2025, with Apple hinting at a sooner arrival during a keynote at the Money20/20 USA conference. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, mentioned that iPhone users would soon be able to add US passports to their Digital IDs in Wallet.

This move not only fulfills Apple’s commitment from the June Worldwide Developers Conference but also brings them closer to Google, which introduced support for US passports a year earlier. This development is crucial as it expands the reach of iPhone digital IDs to a broader audience, as US passports are a federal document available in all 50 states.

Despite Google’s lead in digital passports, Apple still faces bureaucratic hurdles in implementing this feature, including compliance checks and certification by government agencies.

Apple Wallet Progress Report

Jennifer Bailey highlighted the success of Apple Pay in combating fraud and its widespread acceptance among retailers in the US and globally. She also mentioned the expansion of Apple’s Digital Car Keys and Hotel Keys features, as well as the availability of Tap to Pay on iPhone in various countries.

• Apple Pay has prevented over $1 billion in fraud in the past year, showcasing its security features.
• Apple Pay is now accepted by over 90% of US retailers and in 88 other countries, across numerous banks and payment networks.
• Apple’s Digital Car Keys are compatible with over 300 vehicle models from 29 brands.
• Apple’s Digital Hotel Keys are accessible in over 65,000 hotel rooms, with millions of keys provisioned.
• Tap to Pay on iPhone is supported in 48 countries, aiding millions of merchants.

While these numbers highlight Apple’s progress, some statistics may require context. For instance, the availability of hotel keys in 65,000 rooms may not translate to a significant number of hotels. However, Apple’s success in expanding Apple Pay’s reach in the US from 2% to 90% is commendable, driving contactless payment adoption in the country.

Apple Wallet’s versatility allows users to access various features like digital keys, but the integration of digital driver’s licenses remains a work in progress. Despite the advancements, widespread acceptance is crucial to make physical cards obsolete.