After previously teasing the feature to the public, Apple has finally launched its new Digital ID system within its domestic US market. The feature allows you to create a virtual identification card that is then security stowed away within your Apple Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch.
"Digital ID gives more people a way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport," says Apple in a press release.
Apple is working with more than 250 US airports to roll out Digital ID acceptance at TSA checkpoints. For the time being, the feature is being specifically deployed and designated as a beta, with "additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future."
Apple Wallet
Wallet is Apple's first-party digital wallet application for the iPhone and the Apple Watch. The app allows you to securely store bank cards, credit cards, loyalty points cards, tickets, and more.
Digital ID is convenient, but it has its limits
Digital ID isn't a replacement for a driver's license or state ID
In its initial launch state, at least, Apple's new Digital ID system isn't designed to be a full replacement for a traditional driver's license or state-issued ID card. While the company is working with TSA checkpoints within certain US airports to allow for seamless domestic travel via Digital ID, it also isn't a replacement for a physical passport when traveling, especially with respect to international flights.
Apple, for its part, is continuing to work with state governments to expand the scope and availability of driver's license and state ID cards within its Wallet app. As of the time of writing, twelve US states, as well as the territory of Puerto Rico, have signed on to the initiative, with another thirty-eight states left to go.
Digital ID, then, is a convenient option for verifying your age and identity during certain domestic flights and for authorizing purchases at certain businesses and organizations. It manages to circumvent the need for individual states to jump on board, though they'll still have to do so in order to bring full-blown, no-strings-attached government-issued identification to the Apple Wallet experience.