WhatsApp announced last year that it would support passkeys so that users could replace their traditional password to enter the app with a more secure authentication method. However, only WhatsApp users on Android got access to the feature. Now it looks like Meta is finally working on bringing passkey support to WhatsApp on iPhone.
WhatsApp to support passwords on iPhone
As reported WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta for iPhone released on TestFlight adds a new menu for setting up a passkey. The feature isn’t enabled yet, but the website says it will be available to beta users soon.
Passkey is a technology developed by the FIDO Alliance in collaboration with companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft. Instead of traditional passwords, it allows users to log in using secure authentication methods such as facial recognition or biometrics, eliminating the need to create and type a password.
Starting with iOS 16, users were able to create and save passkeys using Safari and iCloud Keychain. Now, with iOS 17, this functionality will be extended to third-party apps. On Apple devices, passwords can be used with Face ID or Touch ID.
In November, WhatsApp released an update that allows users to authenticate to the app using email verification instead of SMS. The platform is also developing a new option that allows users to set a shareable username instead of a phone number. An iPad application is also in the works.
WhatsApp is available for free in the App Store. An iPhone with iOS 12 or later is required (although passwords require iOS 17 or later).
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