The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Apple are advising travelers to update their iPhones to the recently released iOS 26.2 before arriving at airport security checkpoints. The recommendation follows the full implementation of REAL ID requirements and the expansion of the Apple Digital ID program, which now supports over 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel.
TSA iPhone Travel Requirement
| Key Fact | Details |
| Primary Requirement | iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.2 for optimal Digital ID stability. |
| Airport Coverage | Accepted at 250+ U.S. airports for domestic flights. |
| REAL ID Deadline | Mandatory as of May 7, 2025, for all domestic air travel. |
Technical Stability and Digital Identity Expansion
The shift from optional to recommended for iOS 26.2 marks a significant milestone in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to modernize identity verification. While previous versions of the operating system supported mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), the 26.2 update introduces critical refinements to the Liquid Glass interface and the backend encryption protocols used for passport-based Digital IDs.
Digital ID gives more people a way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. The feature allows users to verify their identity using a U.S. passport directly within the app, bypassing the need for state-level DMV integration.
Addressing Active Security Threats
Beyond travel convenience, iOS 26.2 addresses what security experts describe as critical vulnerabilities. According to security advisories, the update patches several flaws, including CVE-2025-46288, which could allow unauthorized apps to access sensitive payment and identity tokens.
Travelers are particularly vulnerable to these threats in high-traffic environments like airports. By updating to the latest software, users ensure that their encrypted identity data—which is stored locally on the device’s Secure Element—remains protected against evolving cyber threats. The TSA has clarified that while the digital ID process is more secure than physical documents, it remains a voluntary program.
Requirements for Using Digital ID at TSA
To utilize the digital credentialing system, travelers must meet specific hardware and software criteria:
- An iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26.2.
- An Apple Watch Series 6 or later for wearable identification.
- Enabled Face ID or Touch ID for biometric authentication.
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport for the initial setup.
Implementation and Privacy Safeguards
The TSA’s use of facial comparison technology at checkpoints works in tandem with the iPhone’s Digital ID. When a traveler taps their device on the identity reader, the system captures a real-time photo to compare against the digital credential.
According to agency guidelines, these images are deleted immediately after verification and are not used for surveillance or law enforcement databases. The traveler’s right to decline a photo is highlighted on signage at checkpoints and through officer advisements.
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FAQs About TSA iPhone Travel Requirement
Is iOS 26.2 mandatory for all travelers?
No. While the update is highly recommended for those using the Digital ID feature, travelers may still use physical REAL ID-compliant licenses or passports.
Does Digital ID work for international flights?
No. Currently, the Apple Digital ID is only accepted for domestic travel within the United States. You must still carry your physical passport for international border crossings.
What happens if my iPhone battery dies at the checkpoint?
TSA and Apple strongly advise carrying your physical ID as a backup. If your device is inoperable, you will need to present a physical credential to clear security.
Is my data shared with Apple or the government?
Apple states that Digital ID data is encrypted and stored locally on your device. The TSA only receives the specific information necessary for identity verification during the “tap” process, and no data about where or when you use your ID is sent to Apple.
Can I use a Digital ID if my state doesn’t support mobile driver’s licenses?
Yes. With iOS 26.2, you can use your U.S. passport to create a Digital ID in Apple Wallet, which is accepted at participating TSA checkpoints regardless of whether your state has issued a mobile driver’s license.
