Credit goes to two eagle-eyed netizens for the valuable tips. Apple has just unveiled that iPhone and Apple Watch owners now have the option to incorporate their U.S. passports as digital identification credentials within the 'Wallet' app. This innovative feature is tailored for specific operating systems and device models. To utilize it, users must activate Apple ID two-factor authentication and configure their device's region settings to the United States. When incorporating a passport, users are required to scan the page featuring their photograph and position it near the chip's location. Additionally, they must capture a selfie and undergo motion-based liveness detection to verify their identity. It's worth noting that all data processing occurs locally on the device. Once the setup is complete, users can leverage this digital passport for identity verification during domestic flight security checks at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 U.S. airports. However, it's important to emphasize that this digital passport cannot serve as a substitute for a physical passport during international travel. Presently, the feature is undergoing open beta testing, with Apple planning to broaden its application scope in the near future. Rest assured, personal information is safeguarded by end-to-end encryption, and verification is conducted via near-field communication, ensuring both privacy and security for users.
