Last fall, Apple launched a new Digital ID feature in the Wallet app. Now, that feature can officially be used as an age verification method in several cases on iPhone. Here’s what that means.
Apple Wallet has offered support for IDs and driver’s licenses for years. But US states have been pretty slow at partnering on the feature.
So in iOS 26, Apple came up an alternative solution called ‘Digital ID.’
Digital ID offers a secure and private way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their U.S. passport, and present their ID with iPhone or Apple Watch
Essentially, while states are still working toward rolling out digital driver’s licenses, Apple lets any iPhone user create a Digital ID with a US passport.
At launch, Digital ID was accepted at TSA security checkpoints in over 250 US airports for domestic travel.
Apple promised more use cases to come. It said, “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.”
Now, the first part of that promised expansion has arrived.
Age verification for apps and online services is a hot topic in legislation and public debate. Some prominent recent examples include the UK’s Online Safety Act and Discord’s controversial age verification rollout.
Here in the US, there’s a wave of activity happening at state and federal levels for age verification too.
And per a recent Apple support document, Digital ID is now ready to be used for select age verification purposes.
The document is titled, “If you’re asked to confirm that you’re an adult” and includes instructions for what to do if you see an age verification prompt when creating a new Apple Account or using Apple services.
Apple says you might be asked to confirm you’re an adult when: creating a new Apple Account, updating your device’s software, trying to change certain safety settings, or downloading or purchasing apps with an 18+ age rating.
Several age verification methods are supported, including the following:
Use an approved method: You can use your driver’s license or government-issued ID, or a credit card to confirm that you’re an adult. Passports, debit cards, and gift cards aren’t supported*. […]
*A Digital ID in Apple Wallet created using a U.S. passport can be used to confirm that you’re an adult.
Per that italicized line, Digital ID is officially accepted as an approved age verification method for Apple Accounts and Apple services.
This means users won’t have to share another, potentially more sensitive form of ID. They can just use their secure, private Digital ID from Apple Wallet.
For now, I’m guessing there aren’t many users who have a Digital ID and need to prove their age to Apple. That’s because the earliest policy changes have happened overseas, not in the US. But based on how things are trending, there’s a good chance that will change soon.
Have you used Apple Wallet’s Digital ID yet at an airport or for age verification? Let us know in the comments.
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