The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new measures regarding passport security screening for travel. To comply with airport security regulations, until now all travelers have been required to present a physical passport at all airports. However, Apple’s latest update could change this dynamic. From autumn, with the launch of the new iOS 26 operating system, travelers will be able to carry their digital passport in the Apple Wallet application, thus promoting digital identification. This measure will be available only to those who have an iPhone. Otherwise, they will have to continue to carry their physical passport.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
It is the Transportation Security Agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. It was created in the aftermath of 9/11 to meet the need to reinforce security measures. It is in charge of imposing and enforcing all security measures and systems for transportation, i.e. airports, subways and railroads.
What’s new in the security regulation?
Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new measure related to passenger identification methods at U.S. airports. Thanks to Apple, this process will be digitized, saving time for travelers. When will we be able to enjoy the benefits of this new measure? The launch of Apple’s new operating system, iOS 26, is scheduled for next fall. With this new method, passengers will be able to carry the digital passport through the Wallet application, and use it only on domestic flights.
Implications
According to the TSA, passengers will be able to identify themselves digitally, without the need to present a physical passport, driver’s license or Real ID. Apple stated “Users will be able to seamlessly create and add a Digital ID with their U.S. passport to their Apple devices”. This technological advancement not only creates fluidity and convenience in passenger identification, but also represents a major step towards the digitization of travel documentation.
Which are the advantages of the digital pasport?
The digital identification offered by Apple through its Wallet application has a number of advantages:
- Faster and smoother security checks. The traveler will only have to scan his digital passport.
- Centralization of documents. The passenger will find all the necessary information and documents in the same place, without risk of loss.
- Biometric verification. Since the use of Touch ID and FaceID is required, the security of identification increases.
Despite the many advantages for both passenger and airport security, this feature will be exclusive to domestic flights within the United States. For all other cases, physical identification will be required.
Step by step: adding my passport to my Wallet
From autumn 2025, Apple users will be able to digitize their passport and save it in their Wallet application. How to do it? By following these simple steps:
- Make sure the operating system is updated to iOS 26.
- Open the Wallet app.
- Select the “Digital ID” section.
- Using the phone camera, scan the physical passport.
- Complete the FaceID verification.
- Confirm the registration.
It is a really easy and intuitive process, accessible and offers total security. Apple has ensured that this information will not be shared without consent, with the data remaining encrypted on the phone.
Which airports will accept this new method?
Initially, it is believed that JFK and La Guardia airports will be included. Gradually more airports will be added. At this time, this feature was only available for devices running iOS 26. Although Google has shown interest in incorporating these tools, at the moment there are no news that will be developed for Android in the short term. As an important security data, the digital passport can never replace the tax authorities, so in case of theft, it would be enough to block the phone and delete the data remotely. What do you think about this new tool?
