The Apple Wallet is more than an app to store cards, passes, and vouchers, as it already offers support for different United States state IDs, and it has recently added California as part of the service. However, alongside this rollout for California, Apple unveiled four new regions which the company is currently working with to bring its state ID support for the Wallet app.
In the latest teaser from Apple, three US states will soon support digital IDs that can be stored on their mobile and smartwatches, but this is also the company's first international venture.
Apple Wallet Announces Upcoming Digital ID Support for 4 New Regions
The latest update shared by Apple announced its rollout of digital IDs for California, but the tech giant teased its next partners where its technology would be supported.
First, three additional US states would support Apple Wallet's digital ID capabilities to be used at certain checkpoints, allowing its constituents to present their identification through the iPhone and Apple Watch. These states include Montana, New Mexico, and West Virginia.
The fourth and final one in this latest update also marks Apple's first international support for digital IDs in the Apple Wallet, partnering with East Asia's Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun will support the 'My Number Card' to be added to Apple Wallet and be used in the region.
Read Also: Apple Wallet to Add Japan's My Number Digital ID Support Next Year, a First Outside the US
California Digital ID Support Officially Rolls Out From Apple
Apple Wallet's digital ID support for California is now available, and it is a venture that the state's governor, Gavin Newsom, also backs. A Californian driver's license or state ID can be added to Apple Wallet, and Cupertino celebrates this feature in its home state.
Apple promises that this experience will bring users a private and secure digital wallet.
Digital ID Support on Apple Wallet
Apple Wallet began its support for digital IDs when COVID-19 vaccinations were made available, allowing users to add their vaccination cards or certificates on the app so they would not need to bring the physical copy with them all the time. This also helped in preventing close contact when people present their IDs.
While COVID-19 vaccine cards, credit cards, debit cards, and the Apple Card were the only ones available here, Cupertino has since started rolling out Apple Wallet's new feature, which can store digital IDs.
Later on, Apple expanded its partnership and support with different institutions and states in the country to allow storing digital IDs on iPhones and Apple Watches.
However, it is important to note that while this is seeing massive growth, only seven states support digital ID for verification purposes at various entry points, including colleges and universities.
Apple's home state now supports digital state IDs, offering wide accessibility given that California is one of the US' largest states. That being said, Apple now expands on the feature with its latest update, working with new partners and its first international foray with Japan.
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