25.5 Million Brits to Install Digital Identity Apps by 2029

A new study from Juniper Research has revealed that the number of UK residents using digital identity apps will rise from 6.9 million in 2025 to 25.5 million in 2029. This represents a 267% growth.

Juniper Research points out that the forthcoming GOV.UK app will be a key driver. It would offer a government-authenticated and standardized approach to digital identity, of which over 45% of the UK adult population is forecast to use by 2029.

The report identified that, despite a decrease in the popularity of third-party identity apps, overall adoption of digital identities will increase. The app will drive this adoption significantly, presenting a regulated digital identity platform that streamlines access to government services.

The research found that third-party apps would grow by just 9% between 2025 and 2029 as a result of the GOV.UK app is becoming a primary method of verifying an individual’s information, both remotely and in person. The introduction of this app will force third-party providers to re-strategise and place greater emphasis on advertising their verification services for onboarding onto the GOV.UK app.

“In order to retain a role within the digital identity ecosystem, third-party identity providers must seek certification against the government’s trust framework, or they will be bypassed by certified providers and lose out on additional revenue,” added report author Thomas Wilson.

The report asserted the combination of government certification and third-party verification technologies as critical to overcoming concerns among UK citizens around privacy. These have been a long-term stumbling block to digital identity growth and promoting further adoption.