Yet another WhatsApp Beta update has surfaced, and the buzz is about the inclusion of passkey support in the iOS app. While passkeys were introduced to Android devices in October last year, iPhones were left without this feature. However, the latest update suggests that passkey integration is finally on its way to WhatsApp for iOS.
As per a report from WABetaInfo, the recently released WhatsApp beta version 24.2.10.73 for iOS unveils the setup screen for passkeys within the app. This indicates that the integration of passkey support into the iOS app could be just around the corner.
If you’re not aware, Passkeys leverage biometrics such as Face ID or Touch ID, providing a secure means to sign in to your WhatsApp account without the necessity of a traditional six-digit code. This streamlines the login process, enhancing security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access to your account.
The provided screenshot displays the setup screen for the Passkey feature in WhatsApp for iOS. Users will have the option to either set up Passkeys or continue using the conventional passcode method. Passkeys can be easily disabled at any time through the settings. If attempting to sign in on a device without Passkey support, users will need to request a standard six-digit code for authentication.
This approach ensures that users aren’t forced to switch to a sign-in method they may not prefer. Nevertheless, there’s a recommendation to consider adopting Passkeys for enhanced security. Notably, even X (formerly Twitter) has embraced this feature on iOS. Choosing Passkeys can be particularly beneficial when you encounter situations where requesting a login code is not feasible.
As previously mentioned, the Passkey feature is still in the development stage, and there’s no specific release date available. However, anticipation is high for its eventual introduction. The hope is for it to be implemented sooner rather than later. Personally, having already adopted Passkeys for most of my apps on Android, I am eagerly looking forward to their inclusion in the iOS version of WhatsApp.
If you’ve started using Passkeys, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
