If you’re an iPhone user and have already been skeptical of the Apple Wallet, just wait until you hear about their latest feature.
Apple recently announced that iPhone users can now create their own Digital ID using their U.S. passports and Apple Wallet. The feature will allow people to travel and use their phones as their source of identification for verification purposes. However, the feature would prevent people from travelling internationally. Either way, the internet has had a lot to say about the announcement, with many worried the new feature could backfire. Read more about it below.
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
Apple Introduces The New Digital ID Feature For iPhones
If you've had an iPhone over the last few years, then you're likely familiar with the Apple Wallet feature, which allows you to store your debit or credit card information, as well as concert tickets, event passes, and more.
Using your smartphone for this kind of information or essentials has become a lot more popular, with people utilizing Apple Pay in place of cash or their physical debit cards in shops. Now, Apple has released a new feature that will allow you to do so much more.
Before now, the Apple Wallet did not give you the opportunity to use an official digital form of identification like a driver's license or passport in some states. On November 12th, Apple announced its latest feature, Digital ID.
"Apple today announced the launch of Digital ID, a new way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their U.S. passport, and present it with the security and privacy of iPhone or Apple Watch," wrote Apple in a news release.
"At launch, Digital ID acceptance will roll out first in beta at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. for in-person identity verification during domestic travel, with additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future," they continued. "Digital ID gives more people a way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet, even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID. Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport."
Apple & Internet Users React To The Digital ID Announcement
Although it seems like there will still be numerous limits as to what the Digital ID can be used for in each state, especially regarding traveling, driving, and more, many internet users are still skeptical of the technology and have had mixed reactions to the announcement.
"Yeah, it's basically useless except at some major domestic airports," commented a user on Reddit. "You can't use it to buy alcohol or as a substitute for driving with your driver's license on you."
"I've been against digital driver's Licenses solely because I don't want to hand my phone over to some random cop," added another.
Others noted that the constraints involved with the Digital ID are likely to confuse Apple users, which could cause a bit of chaos in certain situations and at already stressful locations like airports.
"I can see this confusion causing so much trouble," commented a user.
"I'd probably add this to my phone but only use it as like a backup if I had no other ID," added another.
