Apple’s iOS 26 is the travel gadget you need in 2026: These are the airlines supporting it
December 23, 2025
Apple’s release of iOS 26 this fall is quietly transforming the iPhone’s Wallet app into a powerful travel companion—and it could be the must-have travel feature for 2026. While the tech is ready, airlines are only gradually rolling out support, so the new capabilities are just beginning to reach travellers.
A new era for air travel with Apple Wallet
With iOS 26, Apple has pushed the Wallet app far beyond simple payment cards and boarding passes. According to Apple’s release on the update’s features, Wallet now includes capabilities that make it a centralised travel interface in the palm of your hand.
For frequent fliers, the iOS 26 Wallet updates offer greater control and easy access to critical travel information all in one place:
- Real-time flight updates and departure info appear automatically through Live Activities — no need to open airline apps. Users can also share their flight’s Live Activities to keep friends and family up to date.
- Embedded Airport maps help navigate terminals, gates, and lounges.
- Integrated luggage tracking via Apple’s Find My ecosystem can help locate checked bags.
- Digital IDs can be used at security checkpoints (for domestic US travel only), speeding up identity verification.
All of this adds up to more seamless travel—provided your airline supports the new features.
How the Digital ID feature on Apple Wallet iOS26 works for travel
When Apple users add a US passport to Apple Wallet, they can store and present their ID information on iPhones and Apple Watches.
The implementation of REAL ID in the US makes Apple’s Digital ID an alternative way for air travellers to verify their identity in person at select TSA checkpoints. Digital IDs are only available for domestic travel and are not intended to replace physical passports. A real US passport is still required for international flights and border crossings.
With the iPhone and Apple Watch’s built-in security features, Apple promises that the Wallet’s Digital ID is private and secure.
Airlines are rolling out support for iOS26… slowly
Apple initially announced that a broad group of carriers planned to support the enhanced boarding pass experience in iOS 26, including major global and US airlines. The technology giant announced 10 airlines as first adopters:
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Jetstar
- Lufthansa Group
- Qantas
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Australia
Actual support depends on each airline opting in and updating its systems. So far, the rollout has been modest, with only three airlines confirmed to have gone live with the enhanced features, as reported by 9 to 5 Mac:
- United Airlines became the first carrier to go live with the refreshed boarding pass features, bringing real-time updates and embedded airport tools to Wallet users.
- Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines are the second and third airlines to go live with Apple Wallet iOS26 integration.
Other airlines from Apple’s original list are committed but not yet live, or are possibly rolling out features incrementally. In many cases, passengers may still see the old basic boarding pass experience until the carrier activates the updated Wallet pass features.
What the Apple Wallet update means for air travellers in 2026
Apple has built a strong travel platform, and airlines are beginning to tap in. Wallet in iOS 26 is an all-in-one travel companion that combines flight updates, boarding passes, ID, terminal maps, and baggage tracking, but its usefulness depends on airline support. Those who fly with United, Delta, or Southwest are among the early adopters enjoying the new Wallet boarding pass features.
Travellers may still have to wait a few weeks or months before their airline’s app and infrastructure fully support the upgraded Wallet experience, but it is likely to happen at some point next year. As more carriers roll out support in 2026, the iPhone could replace standalone airline apps for day-of-travel essentials.
Featured Image: Apple
