Apple Adds Mobile ID Support for College Student IDs

For certain universities in the US and Canada

By
Allison Murray
Allison Matyus
Allison Murray
Tech News Reporter
  • Southern Illinois University
Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert.
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Updated on August 3, 2021 02:01PM EDT
Fact checked by
Rich Scherr
Rich Scherr
Fact checked by Rich Scherr
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County
Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.
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Apple’s digital ID feature soon will support student IDs at some universities in the US and Canada. 

Apple announced on Tuesday that mobile student IDs can be added to the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch devices when students start school this fall. With mobile student IDs, students can get around campus or make purchases without having their physical ID with them. 

Mobile Student ID Apple Wallet

Apple

"Mobile student IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch offer students and schools an extra level of security and privacy, as students do not need to worry about misplacing their plastic card," Apple said in its press release.

"Also, transaction history is never shared with Apple or stored on Apple servers. If a student misplaces their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can use the Find My app to immediately lock their device and help locate it."

Apple said the feature first will be available to Canada's University of New Brunswick and Sheridan College. In the US, Auburn University, Northern Arizona University, University of Maine, New Mexico State University, and more colleges will have mobile ID access. 

Privacy experts warn that putting government documents like your ID on your phone still comes with some risks...

Mobile IDs initially were introduced in June during Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference. Apple said that the feature would be implemented in the upcoming iOS 15 update that will allow you to scan your driver’s license or state ID into the Wallet app (in participating states). 

Apple also said it’s working with the Transportation Security Administration to engage digital ID in all airports later this year. 

However, privacy experts warn that putting government documents like your ID on your phone still comes with some risks, including having your identity stolen if you ever lose your iPhone and the question of how Apple and other companies will use these digital IDs. 

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