TL;DR
iOS 26 adds Apple Intelligence-powered order tracking to Wallet, letting the app extract purchase and delivery details from merchant emails. A new Digital ID feature (introduced with iOS 26.1) provides an Apple-managed identity option accepted at TSA checkpoints and for select age or identity checks.
What happened
Apple updated Wallet in iOS 26 with two features that address weaknesses in earlier launches. First, Apple Intelligence now scans merchant and carrier emails to identify and summarize order and shipping details, enabling Wallet to show consolidated order info and send progress notifications without depending on retailer integrations. Users can view orders via the three-dot menu in Wallet and enable push alerts in the app’s Notifications settings. Second, Apple rolled out a separate Digital ID option alongside iOS 26.1 that does not rely on state-issued digital driver’s licenses. While it cannot establish driving authorization, Apple says the Digital ID can be presented for identity checks at TSA checkpoints before domestic flights and at certain businesses, apps, and online services. Apple reports acceptance at more than 250 U.S. airports and cites examples such as age verification in Uber Eats.
Why it matters
- Order tracking no longer needs merchants to opt in, which removes a major obstacle that limited the original feature.
- Consolidating purchase and delivery details into Wallet can simplify how users monitor shipments across vendors.
- Digital ID advances Wallet’s role as an identity hub without waiting for state government rollouts.
- Acceptance at TSA checkpoints and in select apps could broaden real-world utility for digital identity methods.
Key facts
- iOS 26 lets Wallet use Apple Intelligence to extract order tracking details from emails sent by merchants and delivery carriers.
- Wallet’s initial order-tracking feature debuted in iOS 16 but relied on third-party and merchant cooperation.
- To view orders in Wallet: tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, then select 'Orders.'
- Users can configure push notifications for orders inside Wallet’s Notifications menu.
- Apple launched a separate Digital ID with iOS 26.1 as an alternative to state-backed digital driver’s licenses.
- Digital ID cannot prove you are licensed to drive, according to Apple.
- Apple says Digital ID acceptance is rolling out at more than 250 U.S. airports for TSA checkpoint identity verification.
- Twelve U.S. states plus Puerto Rico officially support adding state IDs or driver’s licenses to Wallet; 38 states have not adopted that feature.
What to watch next
- Further expansion of Digital ID acceptance at additional airports and venues (Apple says more are in the works).
- Wider state-level adoption of official digital driver’s licenses and state IDs into Wallet — not confirmed in the source.
- Broader merchant and app support for Digital ID beyond the examples cited (for instance, Uber Eats) — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Apple Wallet: A built-in iPhone app for storing payment cards, passes, tickets, and now digital identity and order details.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple’s on-device and cloud-assisted set of features that analyze data such as emails to provide summaries and insights.
- Digital ID: An Apple-provided identity credential that can be presented for verification at certain checkpoints, apps, and businesses; it is distinct from state-issued digital driver’s licenses.
- Order tracking: A Wallet feature intended to aggregate purchase confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery status for online orders.
- TSA checkpoint: A Transportation Security Administration screening point at airports where identity verification is required before boarding domestic flights.
Reader FAQ
Can the new Digital ID replace a state driver’s license for driving?
No — Apple says Digital ID cannot prove you are licensed to drive.
How does Wallet gather order tracking information?
Wallet uses Apple Intelligence to identify and summarize tracking details from merchant and carrier emails in your inbox.
Where can I use Digital ID?
Apple states Digital ID can be used at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights and at select businesses, apps, and online services; acceptance is rolling out at more than 250 U.S. airports.
How do I view and get notifications for orders in Wallet?
Open Wallet, tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and choose 'Orders.' Notifications can be configured in the app’s Notifications menu.
Have most U.S. states added official Wallet support for state IDs?
No — the source lists 12 states plus Puerto Rico with support, leaving 38 states that have not adopted that Wallet feature.
iOS 26 lets you customize Liquid Glass on your iPhone, here’s how Ryan Christoffel Dec 23 2025 IOS 26 APPLE WALLET Apple Wallet got two feature upgrades it really needed…
Sources
- Apple Wallet got two feature upgrades it really needed in iOS 26
- Apple Wallet Just Got Two Game-Changing Upgrades in …
- Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent …
- Apple Wallet order tracking improved with iOS 26, but it's …
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