Apple announced today that support for Japan’s national My Number Card IDs will be added to Apple’s Wallet app “late next spring,” marking the first time digital IDs in Apple Wallet will be available outside the United States.
Over 100 million Japanese residents have My Number Card IDs, which allow access to services at over 60,000 convenience stores, online portals, hospitals, and government agencies.
“The deployment of Apple Wallet’s ID feature outside the United States is a significant step towards our vision of replacing traditional physical wallets with easy, secure, and private mobile wallets. The My Number Card will be available in Apple Wallet from the second half of next spring, enabling users to present their ID using the security and privacy features of the iPhone. We are excited to offer a convenient solution for everyone living in Japan,” said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
Once added to Apple Wallet, users can access their My Number Card within the app by authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID. The ID can be presented face-to-face or to a card reader, granting access to medical and governmental services, among others.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed integrating the My Number Card during Cook’s visit to Japan in late 2022. Initially, Cook expressed concerns about user privacy and security, but these concerns appear to have been sufficiently addressed, leading to Apple’s support for the IDs in its Wallet app.