Apple Wallet Might Soon Feature Digital IDs in Two States

# Apple Wallet Broadens Digital ID Functionality: Arkansas and Virginia Enter the Program

Apple Wallet has recently made notable progress in its digital ID framework, especially with the launch of a novel Digital ID feature that incorporates US passports. As the feature starts to gain popularity, the support for state driver’s licenses is also on the rise, with Arkansas and Virginia emerging as the newest states to embrace this cutting-edge technology.

## Increasing Adoption of Digital IDs

Following a slow commencement, Apple Wallet’s digital ID project is now gaining traction. Within the last half-year, three new states have rolled out digital driver’s licenses, and the recent launch of a passport-based solution in iOS 26.1 is anticipated to further boost adoption. Apple has earlier revealed commitments from several states, such as Connecticut, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Utah, to provide digital IDs.

## Arkansas and Virginia’s Pledge

As noted by MacRumors, Arkansas and Virginia have officially declared their support for Apple Wallet’s digital ID feature. Both states have made updates on their official government websites to demonstrate this commitment, signaling that residents will soon be enabled to incorporate their state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs into Apple Wallet on their iPhones and Apple Watches.

For example, the Virginia mobile ID page mentions:

> “Virginia has agreed to incorporate ID in Apple Wallet in the future, allowing residents to add their VA driver’s license and ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch.”

While no specific timelines have been shared regarding the deployment of this feature, the existence of mobile ID apps in both states indicates that integration with Apple Wallet may occur sooner rather than later.

## Conclusion

The enhancement of digital ID support in Apple Wallet marks a substantial leap forward in how individuals can manage their identification. As more states like Arkansas and Virginia join the movement, users can anticipate a more accessible and secure method of carrying their IDs. The rising adoption of digital IDs not only improves user experience but also showcases the continuing shift towards digital solutions in daily life.

Have you had the chance to utilize Digital ID through state or passport support in Apple Wallet? Share your thoughts in the comments.

iOS 26 Unveils Seven Fresh Features for AirPods Pro: An In-Depth Review

# iOS 26 Unveils New Features for AirPods, Enriching User Experience

iOS 26 marks a major enhancement for iPhone users, delivering a variety of new capabilities, especially for AirPods enthusiasts. This update is particularly advantageous for users of AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, all equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Below is a detailed summary of the new features launched with iOS 26.

## New AirPods Features in iOS 26

Apple continuously improves AirPods capabilities with every major iPhone release, and iOS 26 is no different. This time around, the update brings as many as seven new functionalities, concentrating on elevating the experience for AirPods Pro owners.

### List of New Features

1. **Battery Charging Alerts**
2. **Seamless Switching for CarPlay**
3. **Real-Time Translation**
4. **Automatic Playback Pause When You Sleep**
5. **High-Quality Audio Recording**
6. **Camera Control**
7. **Improved Voice Clarity on Calls**

### General Features for All AirPods

All AirPods users will gain from two new functionalities in iOS 26, regardless of the model:

– **AirPods Charge Alerts**: Users will get alerts when their AirPods case battery is low and when it’s fully charged, improving battery management.

– **Seamless Switching for CarPlay**: This feature enables AirPods to automatically change their Bluetooth connection between devices and the car, simplifying usage while driving.

### Exclusive Features for AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4

For those using AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, or AirPods 4 with ANC, five additional functionalities are available:

– **Real-Time Translation**: This capability utilizes Apple Intelligence to aid in face-to-face conversations with speakers of different languages, enhancing interaction.

– **Automatic Playback Pause**: If users tend to doze off with their AirPods in, this feature will halt audio playback automatically, proving especially beneficial for podcasts and audiobooks.

– **Camera Control**: Similar to the Camera Remote feature on the Apple Watch, users can take photos or videos by pressing the stem of their AirPods, offering a convenient method to document moments.

– **High-Quality Audio Recording**: This upgrade enhances the quality of audio recordings captured with AirPods, yielding a more professional sound.

– **Improved Voice Clarity on Calls**: This feature enhances the clarity and quality of voice conversations, addressing one of the core functionalities of AirPods.

## Conclusion

Apple remains at the forefront of innovation with its AirPods series, rolling out new features through firmware updates that do not necessitate hardware alterations. With iOS 26, the emphasis has been on refining the experience for newer models, yet it’s commendable that AirPods Pro 2 users still benefit from these updates despite the model being over three years old.

Even if your AirPods can only utilize a portion of the new features, iOS 26 presents an array of thrilling upgrades for iPhone users that justify the update. For more information on the AirPods firmware update process, additional details are available through Apple’s official channels.

Which new AirPods features excite you the most? Share your opinions in the comments!

Black Friday Week Offers: AirPods Pro 3 at Unprecedented Lowest Price, M4 Mac Mini for $479 ($200 Off M4 Pro Model), iPads From $280, and Additional Offers

The Amazon 2025 Black Friday Week promotions are officially underway, showcasing substantial markdowns on sought-after electronics. Among the highlight deals is the latest AirPods Pro 3 priced at $220, representing the lowest cost ever for this variant. Furthermore, the AirPods 4 equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) can be acquired for an unprecedented price of $110.

The discounts span various products, including considerable savings on Apple’s M4 MacBook Air models, beginning at $749 with a generous $250 reduction. The base model M4 Mac mini is also priced at $479, a substantial drop from its standard $599. Additional savings consist of up to $150 off the M3 iPad Air and the iPad mini 7, with the iPad 11 set at merely $280.

### AirPods Pro 3 Black Friday Offer
The AirPods Pro 3, initially listed at $249, are now available for $219.99. This price reduction is consistent with ongoing deals from other retailers, making it a favorable choice. Preliminary discounts were observed before Black Friday; however, the current offer presents the best available cash discount from a leading retailer.

### M4 Mac Mini Offers
Amazon’s Black Friday event entails a unique chance to acquire the M4 Mac mini for $479, a price rarely encountered for this model. This entry-level version comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, appealing to those in search of a powerful yet budget-friendly desktop. Moreover, noteworthy savings are provided on the M4 Pro Mac mini, with reductions of up to $200.

### M4 MacBook Air Offers
The M4 MacBook Air series is experiencing significant discounts, with all configurations seeing a $250 reduction. Starting at $749, these models are now readily available in various colors and configurations, making it an ideal time to invest in a fresh laptop.

### iPad Promotions
The sale encompasses markdowns on the M3 iPad Air, boasting savings of up to $150, alongside the iPad mini 7 and the iPad 11, which is now listed at $280. These promotions present a fantastic opportunity for individuals aiming to enhance their tablet experience.

### Accessory and Charging Discounts
In addition to the electronics, Amazon is showcasing a range of accessories and charging products at discounted rates, amplifying the overall value of the Black Friday event.

### Nomad 2025 Black Friday Promotions
The Nomad 2025 Black Friday sale is also in effect, providing discounts of up to 75% on leather iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and additional items. This promotion extends through Cyber Monday, offering plenty of time to benefit from these deals.

In conclusion, the Amazon 2025 Black Friday Week promotions offer a remarkable opportunity to purchase high-demand electronics and accessories at notable discounts. With prices at historic lows, shoppers are urged to act promptly to secure these deals before they are gone.

Apple Music Unveils ‘Top of 2025’ Playlists and Declares Artist of the Year

Apple Music has recently unveiled a varied selection of new ‘Best of 2025’ playlists and has honored Tyler, The Creator as its Artist of the Year. Here are the specifics.

## Fresh ‘Best of 2025’ playlists now on Apple Music

As 2025 quickly approaches its end, Apple Music’s editorial team has curated an impressive selection of ‘Best of 2025’ playlists to celebrate this year’s fresh tracks.

Here’s a list of the new playlists complete with direct links:

Apple’s entire collection of playlists is accessible under the ‘New’ tab in the Music app.

You can relish all of these playlists with an active [Apple Music subscription](https://music.apple.com/listen-now?itscg=30200&itsct=music%5C_box&ls=1&at=1000l3cvR) or via [Apple One](http://one.apple.com/?at=1000l3cvR&itscg=30200).

## Tyler, The Creator named Apple Music Artist of the Year 2025

In addition, Apple Music has recognized Tyler, The Creator as its Artist of the Year for 2025.

[According to the press release](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/tyler-the-creator-is-apple-musics-artist-of-the-year-for-2025/):

> Tyler’s contributions throughout 2025 solidified his status as one of the most talented artists of his generation. On Apple Music, Tyler experienced his most successful year to date with unprecedented global plays, listeners, and listening hours, as fans amassed over 4.5 billion minutes of listening time from November 2024 to October 2025.
>
> He kicked off the year with his most ambitious and prosperous tour in promotion of his most introspective album thus far — the recently launched *CHROMAKOPIA*. This remarkable endeavor in storytelling and character development became his biggest album ever on Apple Music in terms of first-day and first-week plays. Yet, he continued to create. He composed, recorded, and released another album during the tour: *DON’T TAP THE GLASS*, a concise but impactful burst of urgent, minimalistic rap that vastly contrasts its predecessor, and immediately soared to No. 1 on Apple Music’s overall charts in over 55 nations on its release day.

The Artist of the Year award is a tradition initiated by Apple Music a few years ago and comes with an exciting accolade. Recipients receive a physical award featuring “Apple’s custom silicon wafer suspended between a polished sheet of glass, paired with a machined and anodized aluminum body.”

The [2024 honoree](https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/21/apple-musics-2024-artist-of-the-year-is-billie-eilish-the-first-ever-two-time-winner/) was Billie Eilish, marking her as Apple Music’s first-ever two-time recipient. Meanwhile, [in 2023](https://9to5mac.com/2023/11/08/taylor-swift-apple-music-artist-of-the-year/), Taylor Swift received the honor.

Apple Music is [offered for $10.99/month](https://music.apple.com/listen-now?itscg=30200&itsct=music_box&ls=1&at=1000l3cvR) for individuals, or you can subscribe through