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| Arizona is the first to add driver's licenses to Apple's portfolio |
Apple has announced that the first state in the US will support a new iOS 15 feature for storing driver's license and state ID in the iPhone Wallet app.
Arizona and Georgia led the way, followed by Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Utah.
There's no timeline for when these countries will adopt the new features, but the company said consumers can get more information in the future.
The US Transportation Security Administration has reiterated that once states start offering Apple mobile IDs, they will open certain airport checkpoints and cell phone security channels.
Adding a country ID or driver's license to the Apple Wallet app is like adding a credit card.
But after verifying your license or ID with your iPhone camera, you must also provide a selfie in your state that can be used for verification.
The company said that for added security, users will also need to make a series of face and head movements during the installation process.
Additionally, the company once again highlighted data protection for driver's licenses and government ID cards. Note that the issuing country does not know when and where users enter their credentials and require biometric authentication to exchange data.
The ID is presented digitally via an encrypted connection directly between the device and the ID reader. As a result, users do not need to unlock, view or hand over their devices.
Arizona is the first to add driver's licenses to Apple's portfolio
The company is trying to address concerns expressed by some about what mobile phone identifiers could mean when dealing with police and other law enforcement agencies. It looks like you will never have to unlock your phone to share your mobile ID.
The company said its mobile ID application supports the ISO 18013-5 mDL (Mobile Driver's License) standard. Apple took an active part in its development. When it comes to providing ID cards or driver's licenses via mobile devices, it has developed clear industry guidelines to protect consumer privacy.
The company is clearly trying to allay any hesitation about the new functionality, and digital identity proponents believe it's more secure than physical files.
However, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation warn that digital IDs, which completely replace physical documents, will have a significant impact.
These organizations have also criticized the federal government for attempting to link mobile driver's licenses to the REAL ID program.
This new feature is included in iOS 15, released this fall. But each state decides if and when it will join a state ID based on Apple Wallet and driver's license.