WhatsApp for iOS now supports passkeys.

By Shawn Tan - on 26 Apr 2024, 9:15am

WhatsApp just announced it is rolling out support for passkeys on iOS.

Positioned as a safer and more convenient alternative to passwords and 2FA, passkeys allow iOS users to log back on their WhatsApp account with Face ID, Touch or their device passcode.

WhatsApp states passkeys are "a more secure way to login" and "let you skip the SMS code" when you are travelling or in an area with no cellular network.

When using a passkey, a user logs in using a pre-authenticated device and by using methods that they are already familiar with like biometrics or a passcode. Crucially, this login data only exists on the device, which means that there's no password that can be stolen in a traditional phishing or hacking attack. 

Passkeys on WhatsApp can be set up via Settings > Account > Passkeys. At the time of publication, this feature is not yet available in Singapore.

Several tech companies have jumped onto the passkeys bandwagon. Apple has supported this feature since 2022 with iOS 16. Last year alone, we saw Google, TikTok and Amazon roll out passkey support.

Source: @WhatsApp

Source: https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-whatsapp-passkey-support-ios-iphone