Apple has introduced passkey support for its Apple IDs in a significant move towards improved account security. This new development is available exclusively for beta users of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma. Passkeys eliminate the need for passwords entirely, allowing users to sign in using biometrics on their iPhone or MacBook seamlessly.
The passkey feature works anywhere that supports signing in with an Apple ID, including Apple.com, iCloud.com, or any other linked platform. For example, users can tap the “Continue with Apple” button on sites like Reddit and opt to sign in by simply scanning a QR code using their iPhone.
Passkeys can be utilized on any Apple device across Chrome, Safari, and Arc browsers. While the “Sign in with iPhone” button exists when attempted on a Windows PC within Chrome, the request often times out after scanning the QR code. On Android phones, however, the button seems absent entirely.
Once a passkey is created on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac device, it syncs across all connected Apple devices. This enables users to sign in with their Apple ID using biometric logins set up on their system without requiring a password. Passkeys can also be generated on non-Apple devices for use with Android or Windows via Chrome or Edge browsers that support the feature.
The introduction of passkeys marks a significant step towards a passwordless future in the field of account security. By combining Face ID or Touch ID technology across devices – from iPhone 14 Pro Max to M2 Pro MacBook Pro – users can securely authenticate themselves for seamless logins.
Apple’s decision to bring passkeys to Apple IDs aligns with its broader goals since announcing this initiative back in 2022. As more companies adopt passkeys on their websites, an increasingly secure and frictionless user experience edges closer to becoming the new industry standard.