The Growth of Mobile Credentials

The History of Mobile Credentials

Google Trends shows the worldwide search history for “mobile credentials.” We can see the first notable increase in 2009, followed by an abrupt peak in September 2025—just a few months ago at the time of writing. This jump is possibly due to major tradeshows and events in the ID and security industry, such as GSX, combined with the continued rise in cybersecurity threats.

You can find a full timeline of the evolution of access control in this BAS-IP article. The timeline includes electronic locks and access codes in the 1970s, magnetic stripe cards in the 1980s, proximity cards in the 1990s, biometrics in the 2000s, and mobile credentials in the 2010s. As the timeline notes, "The advent of smartphones led to the development of mobile credentials, marking a major shift towards digital access control."

Access control is constantly evolving. Even in today’s age of mobile credentialing, innovation continues at a rapid pace. Mobile credentials are far more prevalent, robust, and secure now than they were when first introduced.

Our Experience with Mobile Credentials

Mobile credentials have been on The IRIS Companies' radar for quite some time. As a company dedicated to serving the ID industry and providing organizations with a single source for ALL their identification needs, it was clear that mobile credentialing was a space we both wanted and needed to enter.

IRIS now partners with SoloInsight to offer CloudGate mobile credentials. We are proud of this partnership and the solutions we can provide, serving virtually every industry and use case. Over the past couple of years, we've gained a deeper understanding of the full scope and impact of mobile credentialing, and how important it is, not just for convenience, but for security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Recognizing that many organizations need time to transition, one solution we've offered is implementing systems that support mobile credentials while remaining compatible with physical cards during the transition period.

Explore the comprehensive list of mobile credential applications, each customizable to meet the specific needs of any industry:

Identity & Access

Experience seamless, encrypted access and real-time monitoring with CloudGate Mobile Credentials.

Space Reservation

Book a library room or other campus spaces and check in using a scrambled QR code.

Smart Parking 

Streamline operations with real-time parking lot management, access control, and space allocation.

Emergency Mustering 

Ensure rapid, accurate headcounts, empowering swift action and peace of mind during emergencies.

Self-Service Kiosk

Enhance the guest experience with an intuitive platform for visitor identity access and management.

Single Platform

Manage multiple locations with support for cloud, on-premises, and hybrid workspaces.

Workplace Efficiency

Coordinate schedules with colleagues and sign in visitors using this user-friendly platform.

Sync Google Workplace & Microsoft Outlook

Send visitor invitations on both platforms without switching apps.

Vetting & Approval

Conduct thorough background checks and credential verification to ensure security standards.

Access Permissions

Grant access through role-based control, ensuring vendors only enter necessary areas.

Identity Management

Streamline operations by pre-registering vendor personnel in the PIAM system.

Instant Communication 

Share updates and coordinate with your team quickly using in-app push notifications.

Enhanced Security

Protect your company with a platform that never compromises safety.

Operational Efficiency

Streamline onboarding and offboarding management with automated workflows.

Real-Time Tracking

Maintain accurate data and analytics with a Contractor and Agency Management system.

Compliance Assurance

Compile robust data management, audit trail reporting, and sub-contractor agreement tracking.

The Future of Mobile Credentials

An HID report found, “A marked increase in mobile credentials and biometrics adoption, signaling a shift away from traditional access methods… Nearly two-thirds are either deploying or planning to deploy mobile solutions.”

Additionally, a 2024 industry report projects that “The mobile access control credentials market is set to reach over $750 million by 2028… with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 17%.” The report attributes this growth to "enhanced convenience, robust security and cost-effectiveness."

From early experimentation to widespread adoption, mobile credentials have proven they are more than a trend. They are the next chapter in access control. With stronger security, greater efficiency, and expanding use cases, their growth shows no signs of slowing. The question is no longer if organizations will adopt mobile credentials, but how quickly they will make the shift.