Apple Wallet to Support Japan's 'My Number Card'

Apple is collaborating with Japan's Digital Agency to introduce support for 'My Number Card' in Apple Wallet starting in late spring next year. This will be the first time the Apple Wallet ID feature is rolled out outside the United States.

The feature will allow residents in Japan to seamlessly add their My Number Card to their iPhone's Apple Wallet and use it securely and conveniently, just like a physical card, for issuing official certificates at convenience stores and accessing online government services through the "Myna Portal" iOS app.

"The expansion of the Apple Wallet ID feature outside the United States is an important step in our vision to replace traditional physical wallets with a simple, secure, and private mobile wallet. We are very pleased to offer residents in Japan a seamless and convenient way to present their ID, utilizing the built-in security and privacy features of the iPhone, starting from late spring next year," said Jennifer Bailey, Apple's Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.


"We are delighted to collaborate with Apple in the bold initiative to integrate the functions of the My Number Card into smartphones under the leadership of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Apple CEO Tim Cook. Currently, the My Number Card, Japan's ID card, is used by over 100 million citizens and can be used for various government and private online services, as well as at over 60,000 convenience stores, and in daily life, disasters, and emergencies. The Digital Agency will build a safe and convenient digital society leading the world based on smartphones," said Taro Kono, Minister of Digital Affairs.

Presenting ID with Apple Wallet:
The My Number Card in Apple Wallet provides an easy and more secure way to add and present ID on an iPhone without having to pull out a physical card or hand over the device to someone else. When this feature becomes available, users can open their wallet, select their My Number Card, double-click the iPhone's side button to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and hold their iPhone near a contactless ID card reader to present their ID face-to-face. In some cases, additional authentication steps may be required during card reader scanning.

Users will be able to present their My Number Card in Apple Wallet at locations where physical My Number Cards are accepted, including hospitals, medical institutions, convenience stores, and in specific apps like Japan's government Myna Portal iOS app.

Security and Privacy:
Apple products are designed to allow users to control their own information and protect their privacy. Apple Wallet ID offers a secure way to add and use mobile IDs while providing security and privacy benefits that physical IDs cannot achieve. Information about past presentations, such as where, when, and what personal information was shared, is encrypted and stored only on the user's device. Apple does not know the user's presentation history. Additionally, if users misplace their iPhone, they can use the "Find My" app to lock and locate the device or erase it remotely.


Apple Wallet IDs comply with the ISO 18013-5 and ISO 23220 series standards, which set clear guidelines for protecting consumer privacy when presenting IDs and driver's licenses on mobile devices.

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