Apple Exploring Mobile Digital ID and Wearable Authentication Tech

Two new patent filings signal that Apple is venturing into mobile device-embedded digital ID as well as wearable devices that include biometric sensors and motion-tracking for instant user authentication.

Patent application hints digital ID, ePassport, and mDL for iPhones/mobile devices

According to a new patent application, Apple might be exploring mobile user authentication for digital ID, mobile driver’s license (mDL), and ePassports. The specifications include the implementation of such a solution on Apple’s iPhone, allowing the mobile device to authenticate individual users in various scenarios such as age verification or travel.

The application explains, “Various governments are now issuing various forms of identification that are capable of storing identification information that can be used to authenticate a user. For example, modern passports (called e-Passports) may include an electronic chip that stores a passport holder’s name, date of birth, and other forms of information. When a person is passing through customs, the person may present the passport to a customs officer, who places the passport on a reader to extract information stored in the passport. Upon verifying the information printed on the passport against the internally stored information, the officer may confirm the identity of the holder and allow the holder passage through customs.”

The system in question would include a secure element, an NFC interface, a biosensor, a verification system, an authentication system, and an RFID tag for the ID document.

It further adds, “The present disclosure describes embodiments in which a person may present identification information through a mobile device instead of presenting a traditional form of identification. The present disclosure begins with a discussion about storing identification information (e.g., of a passport, driver license, government-issued ID, student ID, etc.) on a mobile device with respect to FIGS. 1-5B. The present disclosure then describes an authentication framework for performing a user authentication at the mobile device with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7.” Read Full Article at Biometric Update >