Intel and Apple have been in discussions about how to work more closely together, reports Bloomberg.The talks started after Intel approached Apple about a potential investment, but they are in the early stages and might not result in an agreement.

Intel has been struggling to compete with other chipmakers, and earlier this year, the company announced that it was cutting 15 percent of its workforce and canceling factories that it planned to build in Europe. back in August the U.S. government purchased a 9.9 percent stake in Intel to speed up Intel’s Ohio manufacturing plans.

Sence then, Nvidia invested $5 billion in Intel for chips for PCs and data centers, and Japanese company SoftBank also invested $2 billion. Intel is said to be reaching out to several other companies about investments and possible partnerships.Before transitioning to custom Apple silicon chips starting in 2020, Apple used chips designed by Intel for its Macs.Apple no longer relies on Intel’s technology, and uses TSMC to manufacture chips that Apple designs.

Apple also worked with Intel on 5G modem chips when it was attempting to move away from Qualcomm technology. Intel was not able to manufacture modem chips that were up to Apple’s standards, so the deal fell through. Intel ended up exiting the modem chip business, and selling its modem business to Apple.There is no chance that Apple would switch back to Intel chips for its products, so it is not clear what kind of deal the two companies could establish. TSMC makes all of Apple’s chips,but it is possible that Apple could transition to having some components manufactured by Intel.

Apple to Add U.S. Passport Support to Wallet App in 2025

U.S. passport holders will soon be able to digitally store and present their passports through the Apple Wallet app, Apple has confirmed. The feature, known as Digital ID, is slated for release later in 2025, initially supporting only U.S. passports.

Digital ID: What You Need to Know

Apple first announced Digital ID in 2023, outlining plans to allow users to securely store and share verifiable credentials, including state IDs and driver’s licenses.The expansion to include U.S. passports marks a meaningful step towards broader adoption and functionality. This feature aims to streamline travel and identity verification processes.

Timeline and Availability

Apple has updated the release timing information on its iOS 26 features page to reflect the current plan. The page now states: “Digital ID will be coming later this year with US passports only.” Apple Support provides further details on the Digital ID feature.

How Digital ID Works

Digital ID leverages Apple’s security features,including Face ID and Touch ID,to protect user data. The system is designed to allow users to selectively share only the necessary information for a given transaction, enhancing privacy. it utilizes a verifiable credential standard, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the digital passport.

Benefits of a Digital Passport

• Convenience: Eliminates the need to carry a physical passport for certain situations.
• Security: Leverages apple’s robust security features to protect sensitive information.
• Privacy: Allows users to control what information is shared.
• Streamlined Travel: potential for faster and more efficient airport security and border control processes (as adoption expands).

Future Expansion

While the initial rollout is limited to U.S. passports, apple has indicated plans to expand Digital ID support to other forms of identification and to more countries in the future. The company is working with state governments and federal agencies to broaden the availability of this technology.Apple Newsroom details the initial state partnerships for Digital ID.

FAQ

Q: Will Digital ID replace physical passports?

A: Not initially. Digital ID is intended to supplement, not replace, physical passports.It will likely be accepted for certain situations, such as domestic travel or identity verification, but a physical passport will still be required for international travel in most cases.

Q: What iPhones will support Digital ID?

A: apple has not released a specific list of compatible iPhone models, but it is expected to be available on newer devices with the necessary hardware and software capabilities.

Q: Is Digital ID secure?

A: Yes, Digital ID is designed with security as a top priority. It utilizes Apple’s Secure Enclave, Face ID/Touch ID, and verifiable credential technology to protect user data.

Q: When will Digital ID be available for other countries?

A: Apple has not announced a specific timeline for international expansion, but it is indeed a stated goal for the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Apple will add U.S. passport support to the Wallet app with Digital ID later in 2025.
• The feature enhances convenience, security, and privacy for passport holders.
• Digital ID utilizes Apple’s security features and verifiable credential technology.
• Expansion to other forms of ID and countries is planned.