Apple’s new Digital Passport feature, coming in iOS 26 this fall, will let U.S. travellers  store a secure digital version of their passport in Apple Wallet and use it for identity verification at participating TSA checkpoints and within certain airline apps, though it won’t replace the physical passport for international flights Approved through Apple’s Wallet and biometrically protected (Face/Touch ID, Secure Enclave), the feature aims to streamline domestic security checks—but travellers will still need their paper passport for cross-border travel . The rollout builds on Apple’s mDL support, now accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints in U.S. airports like Phoenix, Atlanta, Denver, and LAX

 

✈️ Apple Wallet Passport Can Get You Through TSA — But Not Everywhere

Starting with iOS 26, Apple is expanding its Wallet app to support digital passports, allowing eligible U.S. users to breeze through select TSA Precheck lanes at major domestic airports. These digital passports use advanced security protocols, including Face ID, Touch ID, and Apple’s Secure Enclave, to ensure identity verification is both convenient and secure. When traveling, users can present their digital passport by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch at participating TSA checkpoints equipped with digital identity readers.

However, the feature is not a total replacement for traditional travel documents. International travel still requires a physical passport, as most foreign governments and airlines aren’t yet equipped to validate digital credentials. Similarly, not all airports or TSA locations support Apple’s digital ID tech, so travelers are advised to check ahead and carry their physical ID as a backup.

Apple’s move builds on its 2022 rollout of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) in partnership with states like Arizona, Maryland, and Georgia. As of mid-2025, over 250 TSA lanes in major airports such as Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Denver (DEN), and Phoenix (PHX) accept digital IDs for identity checks. The company says it’s working with more airlines and federal agencies to expand compatibility in the coming months.

While this innovation is a big leap toward fully digital travel, users must remain aware of its current limitations, particularly for international flights and visa-required trips. For now, it’s best seen as a complement—not a replacement—for your paper passport.