Japan’s Digital IDs Coming to Apple’s Wallet App Next Year
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Apple today announced that its Wallet app will gain support for Japan’s My Number Card IDs “late next spring.” This will mark the first expansion of the Digital IDs feature in the Wallet app outside of the United States
Over 100 million Japanese residents currently carry My Number Card ID cards, which are optional identity documents issued to Japanese citizens and some foreign-born residents. The My Number Card is associated with a unique 12-digit Individual Number issued to all residents, including foreigners residing in Japan. The card stores personal information, including the cardholder’s name, photo, address, birthday, and sex.
The My Number Card is used for various administrative procedures in Japan and is becoming increasingly important for daily life in the country. It can be used for identity verification both online and in person and for numerous other purposes, including administrative procedures, private registrations, hospital visits, library services, and emergencies. The government has plans to expand the card’s use.
The deployment of Apple Wallet’s ID feature outside the United States is an important step in our vision of replacing traditional physical wallets with easy, secure, and private mobile wallets. We will make the My Number Card available in Apple Wallet from the second half of next spring, and we will present your ID while making full use of the security and privacy protection features built into the iPhone. We are very pleased to provide a convenient and convenient way for everyone living in Japan.Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet
Once a user’s My Number Card has been added to the Wallet app, it can be accessed from the app by authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID on the iPhone or Apple Watch, and then presenting the ID either to a worker or to a card reader, enabling access to designated services.
The expansion of Apple Wallet ID outside the US marks an important step in our vision to replace physical wallets with an easy, secure and private mobile wallet. We’re thrilled to be able to accept My Number cards in Apple Wallet later next spring, giving people in Japan a seamless and convenient way to present their ID while taking full advantage of the security and privacy protections built into their iPhone.Jennifer Bailey
“With this initiative, iPhone users will also be able to enjoy the convenience of having the card integrated into their smartphones,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said during a news conference. “This will allow both iOS and Android smartphones to be equipped with the functions of the My Number card.”
Hayashi added that iPhone users will benefit from the convenience and security of biometric authentication without needing to scan the card.
The announcement comes as parliament considers changing the My Number Act to allow the integration of card functions, including health insurance card information, into smartphones. The amendment to the act is expected to be passed by parliament on Friday.
Android users have had access to the My Number card feature on their devices since May of last year. The card is stored in the Mynaportal app.
