WhatsApp, the popular messaging service owned by Meta, is reportedly working on adding support for passkeys to its iOS app. The passkeys feature, which allows users to log in with their biometrics instead of traditional password authentication, has already been introduced on WhatsApp for Android. However, it appears that iPhone users will soon be able to benefit from this passwordless authentication technology as well.
Passkeys are a hardware-backed authentication mechanism developed by the FIDO Alliance in collaboration with tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. This technology leverages cryptography on the user’s device and enables passwordless sign-ins using Touch ID or Face ID. With passkeys, the risks of phishing attacks are significantly reduced.
The latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS, version 2.24.2.73, contains code and a passkey-related menu that suggests support for the feature will be arriving on iOS soon. Although the passkey menu is currently inaccessible, it is expected that future updates will enable users to set up a passkey on their iPhones.
On Android devices, WhatsApp passkeys are securely stored in Google’s password manager. For iOS, it is likely that WhatsApp will utilize Apple’s Keychain system to ensure the safe storage of passkeys. This integration with Apple’s Keychain system will provide an additional layer of security, safeguarding users’ passkeys from potential breaches.
WhatsApp plans to initially release the passkey feature to users on the beta testing channel via TestFlight before rolling it out to all users on the stable version of the app. However, not all iOS users will have access to passkeys. Only iPhone models running on iOS 17 or later will support third-party access to passkeys. Therefore, users with iPhone XR or newer models, updated to iOS 17 or above, will be able to take advantage of passkeys in the future, using either Face ID or Touch ID to log back into their WhatsApp accounts.
WhatsApp is actively working on bringing passkey support to its iOS app, allowing users to log in using their biometrics instead of passwords. This passwordless authentication mechanism, developed in collaboration with the FIDO Alliance and tech giants like Apple and Google, offers enhanced security and protection against phishing attacks. While availability may be limited to iPhone models running on iOS 17 or newer, this feature will undoubtedly provide iOS users with a convenient and secure method of accessing their WhatsApp accounts. Keep an eye out for future updates from WhatsApp as they continue to enhance their app’s security features.
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