Last fall, Apple introduced a new feature called Digital ID within the Wallet app. This feature can now be used for age verification on iPhones, making it easier for users to confirm their identity.
Apple Wallet has included support for IDs and driver’s licenses for a while, but many U.S. states have taken their time to partner with Apple. To address this, the company created Digital ID in iOS 26.
According to Apple, Digital ID allows users to set up an ID in their Wallet using details from their U.S. passport. This ID can then be used on their iPhone or Apple Watch.
When it first launched, Digital ID was accepted at TSA security checkpoints in over 250 airports across the U.S. Apple promised that more uses would come, stating that users would eventually be able to show their Digital ID at various businesses for identity and age verification.
Recently, this promise materialized. Digital ID can now be used for age verification for Apple Account and Apple services.
Age verification has become a hot topic both in the U.S. and overseas. Legislation like the UK’s Online Safety Act and recent changes on platforms like Discord have sparked discussion. In the U.S., discussions on age verification are also gaining momentum, with new initiatives emerging at both state and federal levels.
According to a recent Apple support document, Digital ID can now be utilized for age verification. This includes confirming your age when creating a new Apple Account, updating device software, or downloading apps rated for those over 18.
What’s notable is that this method allows users to verify their age without needing to provide a more sensitive form of identification. They can simply use their secure Digital ID from Apple Wallet. For now, though, not many users might need to use this feature yet, since most initial policy changes regarding age verification have occurred outside the U.S.
Still, as trends shift, the need for age verification is expected to grow here too. Have you tried using the Digital ID feature at an airport or for age verification? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For further reading on age verification legislation and its implications, check out this NPR article that discusses the landscape of age verification in today’s digital world.
