Apple Wallet to Add Japan's My Number Digital ID Support Next Year, a First Outside the US

Apple has announced that its Apple Wallet app will support Japan's Individual Number Card, also known as the My Number Card, starting next year.

This is the first time Apple Wallet will host an official ID outside the United States.

Users in Japan Can Use Their My Number Card in Apple Wallet Soon

Apple, in collaboration with the Japanese Digital Agency, is gearing up to integrate Japan's My Number Card into Apple Wallet.

The My Number Card is a critical form of identification in Japan, like the Social Security Number in the US, used extensively for accessing government services, healthcare, and other administrative functions. Over 100 million citizens have already applied for the card.

This move is set to provide residents of Japan with a seamless, secure way to use their digital IDs via their iPhones.

Apple Wallet ID Feature Launching Next Spring

The rollout is scheduled for the second half of next spring. Apple has announced this initiative well in advance to give residents ample time to adapt to the new system.

This initiative aligns with Apple's long-term vision to transform the Wallet app into a comprehensive digital wallet that can hold not just payment cards, but also driver's licenses, state IDs, and national IDs, 9to5Mac tells us.

"The deployment of Apple Wallet's ID feature outside the United States is an important step in our vision of replacing traditional physical wallets with easy, secure, and private mobile wallets," Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said in a statement.

For Japan, the My Number Card is the sole identification card required, making it an ideal candidate for the feature.

How Apple Wallet ID Works

Once implemented, residents can add their My Number Card to Apple Wallet on their iPhones. The process involves opening the Wallet app, selecting the My Number Card, and using Face ID or Touch ID for authentication.

This feature will enable users to present their ID in person by simply holding their iPhone over a contactless ID card reader. The My Number Card in Apple Wallet can be used anywhere a physical card is accepted, including hospitals, medical facilities, convenience stores, and through certain apps like the My Number Portal iOS app.

As for security and privacy, Apple Wallet Identification ensures that personal information is encrypted and stored only on the user's device. Apple does not have access to users' histories. Additionally, if an iPhone is lost, the Find My app can lock and help locate or erase the device remotely.

Taro Kono, Japan's Minister for Digital Affairs, expressed his support, stating, "The Digital Agency will build a world-leading, safe and convenient digital society based on smartphones."

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