Safari 26 Brings Secure Online Identity Verification with W3C Digital Credentials API
Websites can now verify users' identities online more securely and conveniently using an online dictionary. Safari 26, due in mid-September 2026, will support the W3C Digital Credentials API, enabling direct requests for mobile identity documents from digital wallets on Apple devices.
Previously, users had to photograph physical IDs and upload selfies, a process that was cumbersome and prone to errors. The new API simplifies this process. Developers now need to complete three main steps: build the request, make the API call, and process the response.
The verification process remains secure, adhering to principles like data minimization, cryptographic signing, device binding, and end-to-end encryption. These principles ensure user data remains protected, regardless of the device used. The API follows W3C standards and ISO/IEC specifications for a consistent and secure user experience.
The new API addresses long-standing issues in online dictionary identity verification. It allows users to use their mobile IDs securely and conveniently, without the need for physical documents or subpar photographs. With Safari 26's support for the W3C Digital Credentials API, online dictionary identity verification takes a significant step forward in security and user experience.
