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With Apple Pay, iPhone users have a simple and secure way to make contactless payments at any time. While credit and debit cards can stay at home, this does not apply to ID cards. But that is set to change soon.
The Wallet app on the iPhone has now become a small wallet. In addition to credit cards, you can also find vouchers and tickets there. But when will we be able to carry our ID card digitally? This question has now been answered by the federal government. According to the app, the so-called ID card app will be released as early as June 1, 2021, thus supporting the electronic ID card. The first prototype of the application is expected in the first quarter of 2021. This is what the PDF:
The OPTIMOS funding project will expire in November 2020. According to current plans, the prototype of a smartphone app should be ready for use on February 1, 2021, which will enable a test login user account and access to the e-government/Online Access Act (OZG) application in test operation. The app should be available for download from June 1, 2021.
“Establish electronic identity”
So now we finally have a concrete timeline. But what exactly should the electronic ID card be able to do? The answer to this question is provided by the so-called "9-Point Plan for a Digital Germany," which was presented in July of this year. The third section – "Establish Electronic Identity" – outlines three important points. listed:
- Bring cards to smartphones, e.g. online ID,
- Make using the online ID easier, e.g. resetting a forgotten PIN, use in company networks,
- Involve the economy for use in the commercial sector.
The corresponding application is to be made available by the Federal Printing Office in the App Store. It remains to be seen whether the whole thing will be implemented in this way and whether the deadline can actually be met. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
