iOS 26's New U.S. Passport Feature is Still Not Available
Apple is set to release iOS 26 to the public tomorrow, but there’s one highly anticipated feature that remains missing. iOS 26's new U.S. Passport feature is still not available, despite Apple showcasing it on the official iOS 26 features page.
The Digital ID upgrade was expected to let users add a digital version of their U.S. passport directly to the Wallet app. However, even in the iOS 26 Release Candidate — typically the final beta before launch — the feature is not yet functional. This has left many iPhone users wondering whether it will arrive via a server-side update or if Apple plans to delay the rollout.
What Apple Promised with the Passport Feature
The U.S. Passport integration was designed to expand the existing Digital ID system within Wallet. Once enabled, travelers would be able to present their passport digitally at TSA checkpoints in select U.S. airports for domestic flights.
Apple has stressed that the feature is secure, private, and compliant with REAL ID standards. However, it will not replace a physical passport for international travel or border crossings. Instead, it’s meant as a convenience for domestic travel and certain identity checks.
Why iOS 26’s Passport Feature Matters
Digital IDs have been gradually rolling out across iOS, with support for driver’s licenses already available in some U.S. states. Adding passport functionality could make airport security faster and more seamless.
Beyond airports, Apple says the digital passport ID will also work for age verification, online purchases, and even in-store identity checks. This could bring a major shift in how iPhone owners use Wallet as an everyday ID hub.
Apple’s Silence Raises Questions
So far, Apple has not provided a clear timeline on when the passport feature will go live. Tech watchers note that Apple sometimes launches certain features after the main software release, often enabling them via server-side updates.
With iOS 26's new U.S. Passport feature still not available on launch day, it’s possible the rollout is being held back due to regulatory, technical, or security reasons. Apple has not yet responded to media requests for clarification.
What Users Should Expect Next
For now, users updating to iOS 26 should not expect to see the passport option in Wallet. Instead, they’ll have to wait for Apple to confirm its availability. The company may choose to roll it out gradually, similar to how it launched state-issued IDs in Wallet over time.
Until then, travelers will need to rely on their physical passports for international travel and domestic TSA checks. Still, the anticipation remains high, as this feature could redefine how identification is handled across the Apple ecosystem.
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