Apple are adding new features for travellers in the iOS 26 update, including a digital passport.
The new update will allow U.S. users to save a digital version of their passport to their Apple Wallet.
According to Apple, this will be secure and private and compliant with the USA’s Real IS standard, which allows for Real ID-compliant forms of identification to be used for air travel.
“Like all IDs in Apple Wallet, this new solution takes advantage of the privacy and security features already built into iPhone and Apple Watch,” a 10 June release from Apple said.
The iPhone’s digital passport will be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration for TSA Precheck or Clear checkpoints in more than 250 domestic airports ahead of the flights.
While the passports will be valid for domestic flights in the U.S., travellers will still need their physical passports for international trips or land border crossings.
Apple’s digital passports are similar to those that can already be created on Android phones using Google Wallet.
Alongside the digital passports, Apple also plans to improve boarding passes in the Apple Wallet.
This includes new functionality, such as real-time flight updates that can be shared with others, allowing them to see when the flight arrives.
Users will also be able to view airport navigation maps, see recommendations for the area, easily access the Find My app to track bags and even report lost suitcases, view important flight information and more.
Airlines that will support the new boarding pass functionality include Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group carriers, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Australia.
