Apple Wallet Now Supports Japan’s My Number Card on iPhone
Adding digital ID support to smartphones has been a rising trend, and Apple is taking another big leap with its latest feature. Apple Wallet now allows iPhone users in Japan to add their My Number Card, offering a streamlined way to access government services. This integration, available on iPhone XS or newer running iOS 18.5 or later, marks the first time Apple has expanded its Wallet ID capabilities beyond the U.S. If you’re wondering how to use the My Number Card on your iPhone or what this means for digital identity in Japan, here’s everything you need to know.
How Apple Wallet Integration Works with Japan’s My Number Card
Apple has teamed up with Japan’s digital infrastructure to support the My Number Card system—an individual number card used for social security, taxation, and disaster response. To add the card to Apple Wallet, users must install the latest version of the Mynaportal app on their iPhones. Once set up, the My Number Card can be used similarly to how Apple users in the U.S. use digital driver's licenses or state IDs.
With just a few taps, Japanese citizens can now access key services such as printing official government documents at convenience stores and logging into Mynaportal for online services. Security is also central to the integration. Apple has designed the system with end-to-end encryption, Face ID authentication, and on-device data protection—ensuring your personal details are safe from unauthorized access.
Benefits of Using My Number Card on iPhone with Apple Wallet
The digital version of the My Number Card in Apple Wallet offers several user advantages. First, it minimizes the need to carry a physical card. Second, it enables access to essential services with added convenience. Users can verify their identity at stores, use healthcare services like hospitals and pharmacies (future rollout), and interact with government platforms without relying on paperwork.
Apple has long promoted its Wallet app as a hub for digital identity, payments, tickets, and more. This integration adds significant utility to the app, especially for citizens of Japan who frequently use their My Number Card. It’s also a step forward in terms of e-government services, allowing smoother, faster, and more secure citizen interaction with public systems. The update positions Japan as a global leader in secure mobile ID adoption and highlights Apple’s push to redefine the role of smartphones in daily civic life.
What This Means for the Future of Digital IDs Globally
Japan’s rollout sets a precedent. While Apple Wallet previously supported digital IDs in select U.S. states, this is the first instance of the feature being available internationally. It reflects a broader global shift toward digitized government services and secure smartphone-based identification systems. The success of this deployment could open doors for similar partnerships in other regions, especially countries like South Korea, Singapore, and members of the EU exploring national digital ID frameworks.
For users, the evolution of Apple Wallet into a digital ID carrier means faster check-ins, contactless verifications, and reduced dependency on physical cards. For governments, it presents a secure channel to interact with citizens. As adoption increases and more regions follow Japan’s lead, Apple Wallet could soon become a standard tool for official identification worldwide.
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