The new NFC extension of the expected iOS 13 for iPhones will enable the German government to use mobile phones as a virtual national identity.
Η Germany benefits from the upcoming NFC document authentication feature, approved by Apple, to allow citizens Germanyto scan their ID cards and use them both online and for check-in at international airports.
Germans will of course have to wait so long for the release of iOS 13 (most likely in September) as well as the German Government's AusweisApp2 to see the new feature fully operational. Until then they will just have to take their ID out of their wallet to prove who they are.
This isn't the first announced Virtual ID support. The Japanese will also be able to scan them identities those that will be equipped with NFC, while the United Kingdom will use it to allow EU citizens to scan their European passports regardless of whether or not Brexit takes place.
However, you will probably not see this feature in widespread use. And while the NFC system is considered secure, people may not be so comfortable with storing their IDs on their iPhones, even if they are docked.
At least you'll have the option, and that should be good news for owners iPhone around the world, that they would like to use the NFC for more than just shopping.