Apple Digital ID
Apple (MacRumors, Hacker News, The Verge):
Apple today announced the launch of Digital ID, a new way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their U.S. passport, and present it with the security and privacy of iPhone or Apple Watch. At launch, Digital ID acceptance will roll out first in beta at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. for in-person identity verification during domestic travel, with additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future.
Digital ID gives more people a way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport.
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In the future, users will be able to present their Digital ID at additional select businesses and organizations for identity and age verification in person, in apps, and online.
I find this a bit confusing. Who, other than a minor, has a passport but no state ID? It’s based on your passport but can only be used domestically? How do I know which airports will support this? Does it work for checking in, too, or only for TSA? With Apple Watch, it seems useful in that I wouldn’t have to get my ID out of my wallet and make sure that I get it back from the agent. I don’t see how it makes sense for iPhone, though. When I get to the TSA desk, my phone and wallet are already in my bag, ready to go in the scanner. So it seems like handing my ID over would be easier than using my phone. Also, in the event that I get separated from my bag, I don’t really like the idea of only having the digital watch ID on my person.
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I think it’s still early days… this can’t replace our physical IDs yet, obviously. But I think over time, maybe in 5-10 years, we’ll start seeing how this can be helpful. If all you need is your phone, and can leave your wallet and keys at home, that will be ideal.
I think the key is being REAL ID compliant. I think every state now offers real ID compliant drivers licenses and ID cards, but some states were real slow in rolling them out. With that and some states ID cards that don’t expire for a long time, there might be still people who don’t have a REAL ID compliant card
