The University of Texas has announced the introduction of digital University IDs starting next year. These digital IDs will be integrated with Apple Wallet, allowing students to access buildings, make dining purchases, and more.
UT revealed this news in a press release today, highlighting that the initiative is led by the Student Government.
“For years, students have been advocating for digital IDs, and together, we have made it happen,” Thomas and Chu stated in a joint announcement. “We are proud to have collaborated with our outstanding University administrators to turn this long-standing student vision into a reality.”
The implementation of digital IDs in Apple Wallet at UT is scheduled for the 2027-2028 academic year. These IDs will provide access to various services such as buildings, campus dining and retail, event entry, library services, and more. Students will receive their digital IDs via the MyUT portal, which can then be added to Apple Wallet and Android Wallet.
Managed by Enterprise Technology, the initiative is currently in the feedback and discovery phase, with design and development to follow before its launch in the 2027-28 academic year. Digital IDs will be accessible on both Apple Wallet and Android Wallet alongside physical IDs, ensuring a smooth transition for the Longhorn community as they adapt to using digital IDs.
The university also emphasized that digital IDs will offer more cost-effective and secure options compared to physical IDs:
The Digital ID initiative will be more cost-effective, eliminating fees for lost IDs for students. The University will also reduce card production costs. Unlike physical cards, digital credentials reduce the risk of shared or borrowed cards as they are tied to a personal device and can be updated in real-time, enhancing convenience and security.
UT students can find more information on the Enterprise Technology website. Apple initially introduced support for student cards in Apple Wallet with iOS 12 and watchOS 5, and the support has since expanded. The University of Texas at Austin, with over 55,000 students, significantly expands the Apple Wallet student ID platform.
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