Passkeys are coming to WhatsApp soon , but the feature will roll out to Android users first and then to iPhone owners.
What are passkeys?;
Passkeys allow users to access websites and services without typing usernames and passwords .While it can use biometric authentication to verify a user's identity, this method is not exactly the same as current login technology that automatically fills in login boxes using facial recognition or fingerprints. The technology creates a pair of cryptographic keys (one public and one private) that are associated with a user's account. Apps and services that support passkeys (and soon WhatsApp) use the public key to verify a person's identity by matching it with the private key, which is stored on the user's device.
The feature will first appear on Android, but once it reaches the iPhone, however, things will become simpler, since it will be possible to use Face ID or Touch ID for authentication, without the need for passwords.
Of course, there is already the ability to store passwords in Keychain to log in to websites and apps with just Face ID or Touch ID, but the process is different (although the user experience seems the same).
With passkeys (in WhatsApp and in general), there is no username and password. Instead, as we said above, there is a public key and a private key, which you don't need to know and remember.
When you set up a passkey, your public key is given to the app or website. When you sign in, the service will ask your device to verify your identity. Your iPhone, iPad , or Mac uses Face ID or Touch ID to verify your identity, then simply tells the service that it has verified your identity.
Passkeys are more convenient
With passkeys in WhatsApp, users will no longer have to remember difficult passwords. In addition, security is enhanced . Your login details cannot be stolen by hackers in the event of a breach, because the website or app does not know your private key. Phishing attempts will also fail because your device will not ask you to log in unless it receives your public key from the correct, legitimate service.
Passkeys are becoming increasingly popular
iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma already automatically generate passkeys for your Apple ID, while Google also makes them the default login option for personal accounts.
WhatsApp passkeys
Over the summer, the first signs of upcoming passkey support in WhatsApp were spotted, and the developer has now officially confirmed that the feature will be available soon.
The Android rollout will be gradual over the coming weeks. iOS support is likely to follow soon. In fact, there was no mention of iPhone support , but traditionally, Android is followed by iOS.
Source: 9to5mac.com
