GoKawiilThe University of Texas has announced that it is rolling out digital University IDs starting next year. According to the university, these digital IDs will support Apple Wallet integration and let students access buildings, make dining purchases, and more.
The news was announced in a press release by UT today, touting that the initiative is being spearheaded by the Student Government.
“For years, students called for digital IDs, and together, we delivered,” Thomas and Chu said in a joint statement. “We are honored to have had Student Government partner with our incredible University administrators to make this long-standing student vision a shared reality.”
UT’s support for digital IDs in Apple Wallet will launch during the 2027-2028 academic year. They will provide access to “buildings, campus dining and retail, event entry, library services and more,” the university says. The digital IDs will be sent via the MyUT portal, and can then be added to Apple Wallet and Android Wallet.
Led by Enterprise Technology, the initiative is currently in the feedback and discovery phase, with design and development to follow before its launch during the 2027-28 academic year. Digital IDs will be available on both Apple Wallet and Android Wallet in tandem with physical IDs, allowing for a smooth transition while the Longhorn community becomes accustomed to using the digital ID.
Finally, the university touts that digital IDs will be more cost effective and more secure than physical IDs:
The Digital ID initiative will also be more cost effective. For students, that means no more fees for lost IDs, and the University will reduce card production expenditures as well. Unlike physical cards, digital credentials reduce the risk of loaned or shared cards because they are tied to a personal device and can be updated in near real time — enhancing both convenience and security.
UT students can learn more on the Enterprise Technology website. Apple first added support for student cards in Apple Wallet with iOS 12 and watchOS 5, and support has gradually expanded since then. The University of Texas at Austin has more than 55,000 students, so this is a large expansion of the Apple Wallet student ID platform.
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