Contactless student ID cards for iPhone and Apple Watch arrive at three universities

Contactless student IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch are becoming a reality at three U.S.-based universities. Beginning today, Oct. 2, Duke University and the Universities of Alabama and Oklahoma are offering the digital IDs through Apple Wallet.

First announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, contactless student IDs can be used to get into dorm rooms, the gym, or the school library and make food or laundry purchases, depending on the school.

student IDs

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services, explains:

iPhone and Apple Watch have brought us into a new era of mobility, helping to transform everyday experiences

When we launched Apple Pay, we embarked on a goal to replace the physical wallet. By adding transit, loyalty cards and contactless ticketing we have expanded the capabilities of Wallet beyond payments, and we’re now thrilled to be working with campuses on adding contactless student ID cards to bring customers even more easy, convenient and secure experiences.

To use contactless student IDs, users can hold their iPhone or Apple Watch next do a reader anywhere physical student ID cards accepted on and off campus. The service will also arrive at Johns Hopkins, Santa Clara, and Temple Universities before the end of the 2018-19 school year.