What we know so far about the newly launched Apple Digital ID
Apple has introduced Digital ID in the US, allowing users to create one via Apple Wallet and "present it with the security and privacy of iPhone or Apple Watch."
According to the tech giant, the information that will be used for users' digital ID must come from their passports. It noted that it's "not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a US passport."
Digital ID maximizes the privacy and security features already built into iPhone and Apple Watch to help protect against tampering and theft. Apple assured users that their Digital ID data is encrypted even as their passport data is stored on the device.
Only the information needed for a transaction can be presented, and users have the opportunity to review and authorize the information being requested with Face ID or Touch ID before it is shared. Users also don't need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their ID.
Apple said that the feature has rolled out in beta first in the US at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints in more than 250 airports. This will then be used for in-person identity verification during domestic travel, with additional uses to come in the future.
The Digital ID feature is only available in the US so far and it's still unknown whether it will be up in other countries like the Philippines as of writing.
How to create a Digital ID on Apple Wallet
Curious as to how you can create a Digital ID on Apple Wallet if it gets rolled out here?
You can start by tapping the Add (+) button at the top of the screen in Wallet on your iPhone, and then click Driver’s License or ID Cards.
After that, select Digital ID and follow the onscreen instructions to start the setup and verification process.
You will be asked to use your iPhone to scan the photo page of your physical passport as part of the process. You would also have to use the gadget to read the chip embedded on the back of your passport to ensure the data’s authenticity.
From there, you will be asked to take a selfie for verification and be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process.
Upon verification, your Digital ID will then be added to Wallet.
How to use the Apple Digital ID
To present a Digital ID in person, double-click the side button or Home button to access Apple Wallet and select Digital ID.
From there, you can hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near an identity reader, review the specific information being requested, and use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate it.
"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," Apple said.
The launch of the Digital ID comes three years after the introduction of a feature that lets users add an eligible driver’s license and state ID to their Apple Wallet.
