Apple has expanded its Wallet-based Digital ID so it can be used to confirm users are adults for Apple Accounts and services, in addition to its existing TSA airport use. Digital ID can be created with a US passport on iPhone or Apple Watch and is now an official age-verification method for select Apple activities, with broader adoption expected as more use cases roll out.
Google Wallet has evolved into a full digital hub, detailing 13 overlooked features beyond payments—from live-updating boarding passes and offline transit cards to storing loyalty/gift cards, event tickets, digital IDs and driver’s licenses, digital car/hotel keys, student IDs, health passes, and smart notifications—plus automation (Gmail imports), family controls, offline operation, and strong security with Find My Device integration.
BBC analysis maps a broad King's Speech agenda: major rail upgrades through Northern Powerhouse Rail; a relaunch of digital ID to streamline verification; nationalisation of British Steel; leasehold reform moving toward commonhold by 2029 and a ground rents cap by 2028; fast-tracked green energy infrastructure; a suite of security and immigration bills including Tackling State Threats and National Security Bills; plans for a National Police Service and fewer, larger forces; tougher cyber-security fines; and an NHS single patient record, with welfare reform notably absent from the package.
Live coverage of the King's Speech details the government's broad programme: non-compulsory digital ID, investment in social housing and leasehold reform, energy security through renewables and nuclear, strengthened security laws, reform of police/NHS/justice, expanded infrastructure, continued support for Ukraine and EU ties, with a Commons debate scheduled later.
Apple says seven more U.S. states will offer iPhone Wallet IDs for driver’s licenses, joining 13 states and Puerto Rico that already support the feature. Setup is in Wallet under Add → Driver’s License/ID, with current supported states listed (Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, Hawaii, California, Iowa, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, Illinois) plus Puerto Rico; seven future states—Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, Virginia—have signed on but without timelines. Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports, though they aren’t used by law enforcement and a physical ID remains advisable. A Digital Passport option allows presenting a digital passport-based ID at participating TSA checkpoints for domestic travel only, not international travel. The feature requires iOS 26.1 / watchOS 26.1 or later.
Britain has scrapped a plan to require a mandatory digital ID to prove workers’ right to work, moving to online checks by 2029 and broadening the rationale to include public-services use rather than just immigration; the reversal follows a wave of policy U-turns and drew criticism from Labour and others who argued the case wasn’t well explained, while ministers insist digital checks will remain mandatory and that a two-system rollout (Gov.uk One Login and Gov.uk Wallet) is forthcoming.
Britain is rolling back a mandate for its upcoming digital ID scheme, saying digital IDs will be optional when the system rolls out in 2029 and that other documents can prove right-to-work. The government still supports mandatory right-to-work checks, but a public consultation will outline details amid privacy concerns and a large petition.
The UK government has dropped the plan to make digital ID mandatory for workers, replacing it with an optional system aimed at easing access to public services. Critics say it amounts to a dilution of a flagship policy and a backtrack for Labour’s leadership, fitting into a broader pattern of recent policy U-turns that have drawn scrutiny of Starmer's strategy.
Live PMQs coverage shows Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch trading barbs over the government's digital ID U-turn, with Badenoch labeling it rubbish and Labour accusations of multiple U-turns, while Starmer touts economic progress and Labour policies. The session also touches on South East Water licences, pubs and business rates, and broader debates on Ukraine and the Grok/X controversy.
Apple has released the iOS 26.3 beta 1, introducing features like improved third-party device pairing, expanded digital ID support in seven US states, and new customization options, along with bug fixes and performance enhancements. The update aims to enhance interoperability, security, and user experience across Apple devices, with ongoing development and future updates expected to refine these features further.
The UK front pages highlight PM Keir Starmer's optimistic 2026 outlook, discussions on expanding digital IDs for newborns to curb illegal immigration, and a legal battle over Shamima Begum's citizenship. Additionally, there are calls for support on assisted dying legislation and government efforts to reduce living costs.
Apple is rolling out a Digital ID feature on iPhone and Apple Watch that allows users to securely present their passport-based digital ID at TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports, streamlining the security process for domestic travelers, while still requiring physical passports for international travel.
Apple is launching Digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet, allowing users to present their ID at TSA checkpoints in over 250 US airports using their iPhone or Apple Watch, primarily for domestic travel. The feature, which requires scanning a physical passport and facial verification, is encrypted and not a replacement for physical passports or international travel. It is initially rolling out in select airports, with future plans to expand to other businesses and organizations.
Apple announced that iPhone users can now create a Digital ID in the Wallet app using their U.S. passport, which can be used for TSA checkpoints at over 250 airports in the U.S. during domestic travel. The feature requires specific device models and security measures, and is currently in public beta, with future plans to expand its use for in-store and online identity verification.
Apple has launched Digital ID, allowing users to create and present a secure digital version of their U.S. passport in Apple Wallet, initially available in beta at over 250 airports for domestic travel, with plans to expand its use for identity verification in various settings. The feature emphasizes privacy and security, using biometric authentication and encryption, and is part of Apple's broader efforts to enhance digital identity management.