Guest Key: sharing access from the watch
The Guest Key feature, listed at number 69 in the 263-item WWDC 2026 list documented by iClarified, allows users to share a temporary digital key directly from watchOS 27. The feature builds on the digital keys system already present in Wallet and integrates with HomeKit-compatible accessories or NFC locks. The advantage of managing it from the watch is speed: no need to take out the iPhone.
Transit cards and IDs in the Smart Stack
At number 234 of the same list, the integration of transit cards and identity documents into the Smart Stack is listed. This means transit passes, public transport tickets, and digital ID cards will be proactively suggested by the intelligent stack based on location and time, much like contextual complications already do.
Small features, high daily usage
Neither function received explicit mention in the narrated keynote, but both rank among those with the highest daily usage rate: sharing temporary access and paying for or checking tickets are the most frequent use cases for those who use Apple Watch as an independence tool from the iPhone.