TSA approves new form of ID for iPhone users but only for certain journeys
Traveling with an iPhone just got a whole lot easier thanks to a new TSA ruling, as a new form of ID makes getting through the airport a whole lot easier for anyone using Apple's popular gadget.
Despite it being the most important item in your luggage, any frequent travellers will have likely had some form of passport scare at some point in the past and wondered if there was an simpler way of getting through the gates without any stress.
TSA's implantation of REAL ID enforcement across America last year did make things slightly easier, but it was difficult and unclear to tell exactly what forms of ID were eligible, and you were better off taking your passport anyway in the event of any issues.
Thankfully a new ruling has been put in place for iPhone users that allows them to upload their passport directly into their Apple Wallet, saving them time and stress when heading to the airport, as reported by the New York Post.
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This passport will be accepted at all TSA checkpoints, meaning that you never have to worry about having left your passport on the bedside table, although it does come with quite a significant catch.
Unfortunately, this digital passport is only eligible for plane travel within America, and any international flights will still require the paper copy - so don't throw it away just yet!
On top of this, TSA has advised that you still bring along the little blue book even if you're flying to another American location, as "it is not a replacement for your physical passport" and "it is important to have the physical US passport available in case it is needed."
While the change will no doubt have it uses, especially for people who fly a lot across the US for work or to visit family, don't expect it to signal any sweeping changes to how passports will work in the near future.
One comment on Reddit outlines why this might be the case, writing that "in order to achieve that, every country would need to agree on the same electronic standard and would need to issue documents in such a way as well as accept this form of identification from others. Good luck trying to get 193+ countries to unanimously agree on these issues."
Another user echoes this same sentiment, illustrating that they "don't think this feature will appear in other countries. Apple Card and Cash are the best examples."