Apple has confirmed that U.S. passports will soon be supported in Apple Wallet, with the rollout expected before the end of 2025. The confirmation followed a quiet wording change on Apple’s website, which now reads that digital IDs will be introduced “later this year with U.S. passports only.” While brief, this update signals one of the most anticipated expansions of Apple Wallet since its launch—allowing iPhone users to securely store and present their most important travel document.
The Long Road to Digital Passports
The concept of storing government-issued identification on a smartphone has been in development for years. Apple began experimenting with digital IDs by working with state governments to bring driver’s licenses and state IDs into Wallet. States such as Arizona and Georgia were early adopters, with more slowly coming on board. However, this rollout has been fragmented since each state must establish its own agreements and systems.
Passports, on the other hand, are issued at the federal level. That means once Apple enables the feature, it can be available across the entire country at launch. This is a significant difference from driver’s licenses and could accelerate the adoption of digital IDs among U.S. iPhone owners. Apple has also filed several patents describing how digital passports could work securely, with particular emphasis on encrypted storage and biometric authentication to confirm identity.
How iOS 26 Fits In
Although Apple has not linked digital passport support to a specific iOS version, the timing strongly points to iOS 26. Developer beta releases of iOS 26 are already in circulation, though the feature is not yet included. By removing specific references to software updates from its website, Apple has left itself flexibility in terms of timing. Still, with only a few months left in 2025, most analysts believe digital passports will arrive in an update tied to iOS 26, possibly during the holiday season.
What Travelers Can Expect
For travelers, the addition of digital passports could change the airport experience. Instead of presenting a physical booklet, iPhone users could scan their phone at security checkpoints and border crossings, much like they already do with boarding passes. Apple is expected to layer biometric security, such as Face ID or Touch ID, on top of the passport, ensuring that only the authorized user can present the document.
This integration also has the potential to speed up processing times in airports, reduce reliance on physical documents, and cut down on the risk of losing or damaging a passport. Of course, it remains to be seen how quickly airlines, security agencies, and international governments will adapt to digital credentials. Widespread acceptance outside of the U.S. will likely take time.
Balancing Convenience with Security
Security is central to the rollout of digital passports. While convenience is a key selling point, the risks of storing such a sensitive document on a smartphone are obvious. Apple has positioned itself as a leader in consumer privacy and will likely highlight features such as on-device encryption, multi-layer biometric checks, and restricted data-sharing to reassure both regulators and users. If successful, Apple could set the standard for how digital passports function across the globe.
Toward a Fully Digital Wallet
The move is part of Apple’s broader effort to make the iPhone indispensable in daily life. Boarding passes, credit cards, event tickets, student IDs, car keys, and transit passes are already supported in Wallet. Adding passports brings Apple one step closer to eliminating the need for a physical wallet entirely. For frequent travelers, the convenience of carrying fewer items—and knowing their identity documents are stored securely in one place—could be transformative.
Looking Ahead
The addition of passports to Apple Wallet will not be the final step in Apple’s digital identity journey. Over time, Apple may work with international partners to make digital passports usable across borders, paving the way for a world where travelers no longer need to carry physical documents. The transition may take years, but the upcoming launch in the U.S. marks a major milestone.
As 2025 comes to a close, Apple is preparing to turn one of the iPhone’s most futuristic promises into reality. For many users, the arrival of digital passports will be more than just a convenience—it will mark the beginning of a new era in how we think about identity, travel, and security in a digital-first world.