Last month, the TSA officially moved forward with its REAL ID changes as the agency now requires all domestic airline passengers to present REAL ID-compliant identification at all TSA security checkpoints in the United States. But it sounds like Apple might be able to help with that.
The new REAL ID standards require passengers to have either a new, REAL ID-compliant state identification card or driver's license, or another form of compliant identification like a passport. But Apple is looking to make that process a lot smoother.
At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 9, Apple announced several new updates that would be coming to its operating systems in the coming months. One of those changes will be particularly helpful to airport travelers.
At the event, Apple announced that a new update will allow iPhone users will be able to create a digital ID using their passport in Apple Wallet. And most importantly, the TSA has already confirmed that this new Apple technology will be accepted at all domestic TSA checkpoints.
"While not a replacement for your physical passport, digital ID can be used for domestic travel and at supported TSA checkpoints," a spokesperson said at the event, according to USA Today.
Obviously, this is pretty significant news for anyone who has not yet taken the steps to get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license but does not want to have to take their passport out every time they fly.
However, it's worth noting that this does have its limitations.
While the passport will be accepted at the TSA checkpoints for any passengers flying domestically, it will not be accepted at customs or border checkpoints when traveling internationally. So, international travelers will still need to carry their physical passports with them.
Still, this is a welcomed change for those who are flying domestically and a pretty significant decision from the TSA to allow this technology to meet the REAL ID guidelines.
The new technology is expected to be available this fall when Apple rolls out its updated iOS.
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