A surprising side‑effect of the iOS 27 beta
Apple’s latest public beta, iOS 27, has been praised for speed improvements and new AI‑driven Siri features. However, a handful of early adopters have run into a more practical problem: the Digital ID entry that lives inside the Wallet app can simply disappear. The issue surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) this week, with users posting screenshots of an empty Wallet where their passport‑derived Digital ID used to be.
What is Apple’s Digital ID?
First rolled out with iOS 26 in 2025, Apple’s Digital ID lets you store a scanned version of your passport in the Wallet app. While it does not replace a physical passport for international border control, it is accepted at TSA security checkpoints in more than 250 airports across the United States, speeding up the boarding process. The feature works on any iPhone running iOS 26 or later – including the current iOS 27 beta – as long as the underlying software is stable.
The bug in plain English
According to Engadget’s Filipe Espósito, the problem appears to be a software glitch that clears the Digital ID entry after the beta updates. The bug does not affect the underlying passport data stored on Apple’s servers; it merely removes the visual card from the Wallet interface. As a result, a traveller who relies on the Digital ID for quick TSA checks could be left scrambling at the gate.
How to fix it
The good news is that the fix is straightforward:
- Open Wallet on the affected iPhone.
- Tap the + button to add a new card.
- Choose Add Digital ID and follow the prompts to re‑scan or re‑import the passport you previously stored.
- Once the process completes, the Digital ID reappears and works as before.
Apple has not yet issued an official statement, but the workaround mirrors the steps used when the feature is first set up, meaning there is no risk of losing the original passport data.
Why this matters for everyday users
For most iPhone owners, especially those who travel frequently, the incident is a reminder that beta software is still experimental. Apple markets betas as a way for developers and enthusiasts to test upcoming features, but they are not intended for primary devices that handle critical daily tasks – such as boarding a flight.
Android comparison
Android users may recognise a similar situation with Google Wallet’s Digital ID rollout, which also began in 2025. Google’s implementation has so far avoided a high‑profile bug of this nature, but it too is limited to beta channels for early adopters. The parallel highlights that any cutting‑edge mobile OS feature can suffer hiccups during the testing phase.
Recommendations for UK Android‑focused readers
Even if you own an Android phone, the lesson is universal:
- Reserve betas for secondary devices. If you have an older or spare phone, install the beta there rather than on the handset you use for work, banking, or travel.
- Back up your data. A quick iCloud or Google Drive backup ensures you can restore settings if a beta wipes something unexpected.
- Stay informed. Follow official Apple and Android developer forums for bug reports before opting in to a public beta.
Looking ahead to the final iOS 27 release
Early performance benchmarks from the beta suggest Apple has delivered on its promise of a faster, more responsive OS. However, the Digital ID glitch underscores that the final public version will still need polishing before it ships to the masses. Apple typically resolves beta‑only bugs in the weeks leading up to the official launch, so travellers can expect a smoother experience once iOS 27 goes live later this year.
Bottom line
The disappearing Digital ID is a minor inconvenience that can be remedied with a few taps, but it serves as a cautionary tale: don’t rely on beta software for mission‑critical tasks like airport security checks. Keep your primary iPhone on the stable iOS release, and if you love testing new features, do it on a backup device. That way you’ll avoid the embarrassment of a missing passport card at the gate and keep your travel plans on track.
