Apple Wallet’s Digital ID feature could potentially have a major new use case soon

9to5mac.com Jun 22, 2026

Apple Wallet’s Digital ID feature could potentially have a major new use case soon

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 22, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple's Digital ID feature, introduced in Apple Wallet last year, allows users to store their US passport and use it as identification. The feature is universal, enabling anyone with a passport to use it, and has already been implemented at TSA checkpoints in airports. There are indications that Apple's Digital ID feature may soon be used for a major new purpose, specifically for identity verification in AI systems, such as Anthropic's Claude. This could potentially enable US citizens to access certain AI models while preventing foreign nationals from doing so.

💡 Why It Matters

· The use of Apple's Digital ID feature for AI identity verification could set a precedent for stricter controls on AI access, potentially limiting the global reach of certain AI models.
· This raises questions about the balance between AI accessibility and national security concerns.

Apple Capsules

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Apple Watch sales rise, but can’t get back to previous highs

Apple Watch sales have seen a considerable rise in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 23% market share globally. This marks a 21% increase year over year, surpassing the 28% decline in Samsung sales during the same period. The growth is attributed to Apple's latest Apple Watch releases, featuring meaningful health upgrades and an affordable Apple Watch SE 3. North America accounted for over half of Apple's sales, while China and Europe recorded the fastest Apple Watch growth.

💡 Apple's resurgence in the smartwatch market highlights the importance of timely product updates and innovative features in maintaining consumer interest. The upcoming significantly redesigned Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to further boost Apple's sales, as the company continues to dominate the market with its refreshed lineup.

bgr.com · Jun 22

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Apple iPhone users can unlock additional functionality on their Lock Screen, enhancing convenience and expediting small tasks. The Lock Screen, initially designed for privacy and notification overview, now offers features such as camera activation, Widget access, and supplementary functions like Siri and Apple Wallet. Users can perform tasks like paying for purchases, tracking Uber rides, and controlling smart home setups without unlocking their device. This functionality can save users time and effort, making their iPhone experience more efficient.

💡 The iPhone's expanded Lock Screen capabilities demonstrate Apple's commitment to innovation and user experience. By providing users with more functionality without requiring a full unlock, Apple is streamlining the iPhone's interface and making it more intuitive, potentially setting a new standard for smartphone design.

appleinsider.com · Jun 22

Steve Jobs would approve of Apple TV, says Cue

Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services and health, revealed that Apple TV didn't buy an existing library due to Steve Jobs's ethos. Cue stated that Apple wanted to create its own content, rather than putting its name on something it didn't help create. This approach led to Apple starting with a small number of shows when the service launched. Reports had suggested Apple wanted to buy Warner Bros. to bolster its catalog, but Cue denied this. Apple's focus on original content is a key aspect of its strategy. The company launched with five or six shows, prioritizing quality over quantity.

💡 Apple's commitment to original content reflects its focus on quality and control. By not relying on existing libraries, Apple can ensure its content meets its high standards.

appleinsider.com · Jun 22

Your Mac isn’t immune to viruses & surveillance tools, Intego One is…

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💡 Intego One fills a critical gap in Mac security by providing a dedicated tool to supplement Apple's built-in protections. Having a VPN is now essential for secure browsing, and Intego One's inclusion of this feature sets it apart from other antivirus solutions.

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Apple Shifts Away from Stainless Steel in iPhone Designs

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appleinsider.com · Jun 22

Apple Vision Pro vs Snap Specs: Two visions of face-worn computing, compared

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💡 Snap's Specs bring the company's efforts in line with Meta's augmented reality initiatives, while Apple's Vision Pro competes in the virtual reality space.