Apple Announces Launch of U.S. Passport Feature in iPhone's Wallet App

[max2]

Treat it like a copy... Peace of mind if I'm wandering around without the extra bulk of a passport, or drivers license in my pocket. Phone gets stolen/damaged beyond repair? If you've got the other pieces back at the hotel in a safe, or tucked away in luggage, chances are, you're good.

Exactly.

If you lose it or all/both your in a world of hurt. Just having to get it all again.

 

[max2]

You do not even need access to a device to figure that kind of stuff out. It is pretty simple.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

But can this be used for buying beer?

 

[chiefclaudia]

Still doesn't work, and the "help" is anything but.

 

[Apleeseed84]

What do you think will happen to your flight if the airport loses power?

Dude for real, a lot of people are freaking out over dumb stuff. It won't replace the passport, however any cautious traveler should have paper copies of their tickets and their actual driver's license and passport. Technology's just a digital backup.

I have however had an example that was worse case scenario when I took an Uber to the airport, lost my phone, uber took off to the other side of town and left me without my digital ticket. Once I set off my iphone to lost mode, my ipad became useless even thought it was cellular and the only way to get any confirmation was with the iphone still connected to a tower. But hey I had my DL's on me regardless lololol

 

[max2]

Yep a paper copy can not get deleted. Though technically nothing digital can either even if you do.

Yes a paper or physical can get destroyed or damaged though of course.

 

[klowy79]

I have never had to use my passport within the US. If it's not available internationally, then it's pretty useless.

 

[subjonas]

Just to clarify, until the digital passport can be used internationally, it is functionally the same as the state digital ID? Or maybe wider acceptance?

 

[Techwatcher]

Useless feature until New York gets this.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Did you miss the part that says "Digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S."?

I’ve had the DL since literally day 1 it was offered (maybe 7 years now?) and have not had ONE single airport know what to do with it. My home airport has been on the acceptance list for 4+ years and I haven’t had success using it a single time.

My last time I tried was Sunday.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I have never had to use my passport within the US. If it's not available internationally, then it's pretty useless.

Well, this isn't your passport. It's a national ID card, verified by your passport.

It's really only useful in places that require a Real ID card (or Passport), like federal buildings, military bases, or airports, and have the required scanners. It's of no use for international travel.

 

[slippery-pete]

What places do not accept cash ?

I travel for work and stay at same hotel/resort every time I travel to this one city. Completely caseless. Either charge to your room, and settle bill with a CC when you check out, or pay via CC if you go to dinner at one of their restaurants or grab coffee from a cafe on property.

 

[cardfan]

This is about as useless as the Invites app.

You can't use it as ID, few airports take it, you can't travel internationally with it. What's the point?

pretty much

 

[webbuzz]

Like others mentioned, it took less than five minutes. Now if Illinois would hurry up...

 

[drtaru]

Everything has to have a starting point. According to the article, at launch, Apple said Digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. 250 isn’t a “few” airports.

While that may be true on paper, every airport I've ever gone to that is on the list (about 10) don't have anyone trained on how to use the scanner and / or the scanner station is usually closed, there is generally only one per TSA checkpoint, and it's not always open.

 

[blucar1]

Traveling this weekend so let's see if TSA takes it. Still bringing my GlobalEntry card just in case.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Doesn't work. The app doesn't offer a "scan" button and the app won't scan my passport on its own.

There's no Scan button but it does work. Make sure your password is not expired. Also, only scan that one page containing your information and not two unfolded pages.
The process is simple and intuitive, once completed it will verify your identity and send you a message through Wallet app when it's ready to use.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

While that may be true on paper, every airport I've ever gone to that is on the list (about 10) don't have anyone trained on how to use the scanner and / or the scanner station is usually closed, there is generally only one per TSA checkpoint, and it's not always open.

If they have a RFID reader (which is mandatory since the release of the new passport), it should work.
Give it a try and let us know, please. Bring your real password in case they can't figure it out.

It's not valid for international travel:
"Digital ID is derived from your government-issued passport, but it is not a government-issued passport nor a replacement for a physical passport. A Digital ID can't be used for international travel and border crossing instead of a passport."

So the only relevant use for it may be to show it before ICE assumes you are an illegal alien and tries to deport you to some remote country in Africa.

 

[jz0309]

There's a local pizza joint that only accepts cash. They don't want to pay the CC fees. These places still exist.

They do, and then there are the places who add 2% to the bill if you use a CC, and then there are the places who already account for that in their published prices ...

 

[RWAi]

I'm on 26.2 beta 1 and added my passport in under 5 minutes.

FWIW, it's actually called "Digital ID" in the wallet.

Same. It took about 5 minutes; on 26.2

 

[jarman92]

Last winter we had a bad ice storm and power was out for most of the county for over a week. Cell towers went dead after 24 hours, and not long after that, cash was the only thing you could use at grocery stores and gas stations.

All that said, I'm just happy to not have every business transaction I make logged with my name.

Pretty uncommon scenario in the developed world nowadays, so I fail to see how such an eventuality would necessitate carrying cash around 24/7.

Also, Apple Pay doesn't share your name with the merchant. That's kinda the whole point.

 

[MTShipp]

What a PIA! Not being able to wear glasses to match Passport requirements means I could not read the “open mouth”, “close eyes”, “tilt head up” instructions.

 

[jaytv111]

I’d like Mac rumors to ask Apple if there is anything tying my phone to my passport either during verification or use of the feature.

For instance what info about my device is communicated during registration? Is it just me and Apple or does Apple have to share? (Yes, I know, govt will figure some of that out at point of use). And during use, how much info is phone sharing, metadata wise, with recipients? Govt get more or less or same or none than other parties. I’ve not heard any discussion of these details.

MacRumors should do a FOIA and investigate this topic. Could have already done this on the state ID side.

IDs in Apple Wallet: privacy and security overview - Apple Support

Learn how Apple protects the privacy and security of your personal information when you add and use an ID card in Apple Wallet.

support.apple.com

Basically Apple gets your info, uses it for fraud checking, and Apple has to confirm with the issuing authority. Apple does delete the data used after verification with the issuing authority. I think everything gets tied to a token ID system, you have a secure encrypted code on your device that is required to present IDs, then all the authority needs is to challenge-verify you have this code, and voila, your identity is confirmed because it got tied to confirmed data in the past and the unguessable, unremovable code is still there and verified by cryptography. Kind of like I guess with crypto, you can put money into a crypto wallet through an exchange (initial verification), then money can flow through the ledger system and verified forevermore.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Pretty uncommon scenario in the developed world nowadays, so I fail to see how such an eventuality would necessitate carrying cash around 24/7.

Also, Apple Pay doesn't share your name with the merchant. That's kinda the whole point.

While true, I sometimes use cash because I don't like ever transaction I make being logged. Same reason I often leave my phone at home.

Sometimes I just want to be unplugged, and stay that way for a while.

 

[jaytv111]

What a PIA! Not being able to wear glasses to match Passport requirements means I could not read the “open mouth”, “close eyes”, “tilt head up” instructions.

I think they have the accessibility button for this exact reason, to turn on screen reader.