Japan Official Announces Apple's Inclusion of 'My Number' ID Card Feature in iPhones

Japan's government has announced that Apple will be integrating the 'My Number' ID card feature into iPhones, enhancing convenience and security for users. This move signifies a significant step towards digital identification in Japan, aligning with global trends towards mobile-based authentication methods.

TOKYO, May 30 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O) - CEO Tim Cook, upon Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's request, agreed to incorporate Japan's "My Number" ID card functions into iPhones, as stated by Japan's top government spokesperson on Thursday.

To streamline administrative processes, the Japanese government aims to merge individuals' tax and social security information into a unified identification card, as revealed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Hayashi's statement follows a video conference between Kishida and Cook earlier in the day.

"At a routine press briefing, Hayashi conveyed that Prime Minister Kishida and Mr. Tim Cook have affirmed the inclusion of My Number card functions onto iPhones by next spring."

Source: Reuters‍