Did you know that your Apple Wallet can securely hold several of your physical cards? And now, Apple is closely working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow you to have a digital version of your driver’s license inside your iPhone.
What is Apple Wallet?
At the most basic function, your iPhone allows you to send out SMS and call people. But as technology developed, so did your iPhone. Through the years, it now gives you the ability to connect to the internet and access several tools you would normally need other items for.
Your email that used to be accessible only by your computer, you can now get to it with your iPhone. The same goes with your digital camera, your iPhone can now rival most digital cameras around. And it is not just gadgets – Apple also introduced Apple Wallet to help you carry less but bring more in your iPhone.
Apple Wallet used to be called Apple Passbook released in 2012 when the iPhone 5 came out. It was only later that it was rebranded into Apple Wallet when the iPhone 6s came out in 2015 at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) together with the iOS9.
Your Apple Wallet serves as a digital version of the bulky wallet you keep in your pocket. It can keep digital copies of almost everything inside your wallet. From credit cards, transit cards, loyalty cards, and even student IDs.
And now, Apple is working closely with the TSA so you can have a digital version of your driver’s license on your iPhone.
Driver’s License on your iPhone (and Apple Watch!)
Apple is slowly starting to roll out this feature to a few select states in the country. Georgia and Arizona will be taking the lead in adopting this technology. Kentucky, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Utah, Maryland, and Iowa will soon follow.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP for Apple Pay said that the vision for the Apple Wallet is to entirely replace your physical wallet. Now that you can add your driver’s license and even state IDs, that vision is much closer to reality.
How to add your IDs to your Wallet?
If you have experienced adding a credit card to your Wallet before, it basically follows the same procedure. Simply tap the “+” button to add either your driver’s license or state ID. You will be prompted to add it also to your Wallet app in your Apple Watch if you have one.
You then scan your ID and you also have to take a selfie. Apple put in some safety features in the process that would ask you to make a couple of head movements during set up. As soon as the issuing state verifies your ID, you’re all set to use it.
What are the benefits?
You could be asking what benefits does it give you to have a digital copy of your driver’s license on your iPhone. Here are a few of them you might want to know.
- Touchless airport experience – this can save you a lot of time at the airport especially when you travel often.
- Privacy and security – Apple take pride in keeping your iPhone and even your Apple Watch secure. This makes your driver’s license safe with encryption and biometric authentication.
- No need to unlock your device – You don’t even have to show or hand over your device. A simple tap on an identity reader would do and your iPhone or Apple Watch will ask you to authenticate before sharing your ID.
- Lost iPhone or Apple Watch – you can use the Find My app to help you locate if you misplace or if they get stolen. In extreme situations, you can opt to remotely erase everything on it in case you can’t find or retrieve it anymore. This way, no one can gain access and use your iPhone or Apple Watch.
The convenience aspect of this Apple Wallet feature is a big advantage but there are people who are cautiously optimistic about the technology. As soon as it rolls out to more states and a lot more establishments honor it, a lot more people will see the value in it.
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