Key Highlights
- Apple’s new Digital ID feature can now be used as a Real ID at over 250 U.S. TSA checkpoints.
- The feature allows travelers to streamline their airport security process by using their Apple Wallet app.
- To use the feature, users must add their passport information and update their iPhones to iOS 26.
- Google Wallet also offers a similar ID Pass that can be used as a Real ID at TSA checkpoints.
The Rise of Digital IDs in Travel Security
Apple has taken another step towards making travel more convenient with the launch of its new Digital ID feature. This innovative tool, which allows users to create a digital identity on their Apple devices, is now accepted as a Real ID at over 250 TSA checkpoints across the United States.
Simplifying Airport Security
Travelers are increasingly looking for ways to simplify and speed up the airport security process. The introduction of Digital IDs by both Apple and Google represents a significant shift in how travelers can manage their identification documents. By using these digital IDs, passengers can bypass the traditional繁琐的验证过程，直接通过机场安检。
According to Kelly McCarthy from ABC News Live, “Using the new feature at TSA checkpoints is as simple as double-tapping on your Apple Digital ID in the Wallet app and accepting a prompt before tapping against a scanner machine. The information is encrypted on the device, ensuring privacy and security.”
Creating Your Digital ID
To make use of the Digital ID feature, users need to follow these steps:
- Add their passport information to the Apple Wallet app.
- Update their iPhones to the latest version of iOS 26, which supports this new functionality.
Nam Y. Huh from AP captured a scene at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, where travelers lined up to use the new feature on November 12, 2025. The process is quick and efficient, allowing passengers to breeze through security without the need for physical ID documents.
Alternative Options: Google Wallet ID Pass
In addition to Apple’s Digital ID, Google also offers a similar service called ID Pass, which can be used as a Real ID at TSA checkpoints. To use this feature on an Android device, users must ensure their devices are unlocked and hold the back of the phone near the tap point before hitting “continue” to proceed.
Both Apple Digital ID and Google ID Pass provide travelers with an alternative method for managing their identification documents while traveling. This not only simplifies the security process but also reduces the risk of losing or forgetting physical IDs, which can be stressful and time-consuming in a busy airport environment.
Backup Measures
While digital IDs offer convenience, it is important to remember that travelers should always carry a physical and acceptable form of ID as a backup. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) explicitly states on its website that carrying both forms of identification is recommended for added security.
Future Implications
The introduction of digital IDs by Apple and Google signals a significant shift in how travel security processes are managed. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that more companies will follow suit, offering similar solutions to travelers.
With the increasing use of digital technologies in various aspects of daily life, it is clear that the future of travel might see even more integration of digital identity verification methods. This could lead to a more efficient and secure travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide.
In conclusion, Apple’s new Digital ID feature represents an exciting development in the realm of travel security. As more travelers embrace this technology, we can expect to see further advancements that make our journeys smoother and safer.
