Apple has officially launched a new feature called Apple Digital ID, designed to provide users with a secure and convenient way to store and present their identification on their devices. This dynamic new integration with Apple Wallet allows you to store your eligible driver’s license or state ID. It enables near-instant identity verification from the convenience of a phone.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, spoke about the enthusiastic response about the feature. She noted that “seen how much users love having their ID right on their devices.” The implementation of this feature follows Apple’s previous success in 2022, when the company introduced the ability for users to add their driver’s licenses or state IDs to Apple Wallet.
Apple Digital ID focuses on improving user experience by introducing a dedicated user interface that visually guides users through the process. National users can create a Digital ID using a U.S. RealID compliant driver’s license. This includes those who lack a current, valid U.S. passport. Such flexibility can help include more people in digital identification processes.
The Apple Wallet integration of Digital ID, along with other recent features, further highlights Apple’s focus on privacy and security. According to the company, “Digital ID leverages the privacy and security features of iPhone and Apple Watch to help protect against tampering and theft.” Bailey restated just how vital these features have been. They ensure that no one other than the account owner can leverage their Face ID or Touch ID to show their ID.
Apple has put strong security measures in place for Digital ID data. By default, the device has your information encrypted and stored with the highest level security. This means that Apple is not able to know any information about when, where, or how you use your ID. “Users review exactly what information is shared before it’s sent,” Apple stated, further assuring users that there is no need to unlock, show, or hand over their devices during verification.
Looking ahead, Apple intends to increase the day-to-day use cases for Digital ID. Participants can now start using their Digital ID at participating businesses and organizations. This enables instant identity and age verification, in person or within an online environment. This new capability’s goal is to make the transaction experience as seamless as possible without sacrificing security.
With Apple Digital ID, the company takes its next step to lead the digital identity verification space. This feature strikes a balance between convenience, security, and user control. It represents an important step forward in terms of how people interact with their ID.
