Apple Wallet Rolls Out Digital ID Based on US Passports Amid AI Fraud Warnings

In November 2025, Apple initiated the rollout of its Digital ID feature within the Apple Wallet application. This development marks a significant milestone in digitizing personal identification documents for residents of the United States. The new capability allows users to securely store their US passport information directly on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This digital credential can then be used for identity verification at designated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints during domestic air travel.

The launch of this technology coincided with a cautionary note issued by analyst Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson. He highlighted the escalating threat of artificial intelligence-driven fraud schemes, particularly during the 2025 holiday shopping season. This juxtaposition of cutting-edge convenience and emerging digital security risks sets the stage for a complex period for consumers.

Currently, the Digital ID feature is operating in a beta capacity. It is available for identity confirmation during domestic journeys at TSA screening locations across more than 250 airports throughout the US. Setting up the feature requires users to possess a valid US passport and compatible hardware. Specifically, users need an iPhone 11 or a newer model, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later, running iOS/watchOS version 26.1 or higher. The setup process involves scanning the passport's photo page, reading the document's embedded security chip, and completing biometric confirmation via Face ID or Touch ID.

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, assured the public that all stored data is encrypted and kept locally on the user's device. Apple explicitly stated that it cannot track when or where this digital identification is presented. This move by Apple to integrate official government credentials into its mobile ecosystem follows similar initiatives, such as the functionality proposed by Google Wallet for digital IDs based on US passports.

The passport-based Digital ID offers a viable alternative for individuals who have not yet obtained a REAL ID. However, it is crucial to remember that this digital version does not substitute for the physical passport and remains invalid for international travel or crossing national borders. Furthermore, even with the digital option, travelers must still carry their physical passport, as the TSA reserves the right to request it if there are any issues scanning the digital version.

Running parallel to these advancements in travel convenience, Kurt Knutsson emphasized the dangers posed by fraudsters leveraging AI to deploy sophisticated scams during the 2025 holiday shopping rush. The expert strongly advised consumers to prioritize using credit cards over debit cards for online purchases due to the superior fraud protection offered by credit products. He also recommended immediate contact with the bank to replace any compromised card data. To bolster the security of personal data when using the Digital ID, the verification process incorporates multi-layered confirmation, reinforced by biometric authentication upon presentation.

Looking ahead, industry analysts suggest that the introduction of Apple Digital ID could serve as a significant catalyst. It may accelerate the national adoption of digital identification methods and potentially encourage states to expedite the integration of digital driver’s licenses within the Wallet application.