WhatsApp revolutionizes the login process

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Security in messaging apps has never been more important, and WhatsApp has finally taken a step forward to strengthen the protection of its users. With the announcement of WhatsApp’s introduction of passkeys in its iPhone app, it follows the latest trend in data protection and privacy by moving away from traditional passwords.

WhatsApp finally gets a master key
WhatsApp has announced a major update for its iPhone users: the introduction of Keys, a technology developed by the FIDO Alliance in collaboration with tech giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft. Unlike traditional passwords, it is a method of identification that allows users to sign in using more secure authentication methods, such as facial recognition or fingerprints, thus simplifying the process and eliminating the need to create and remember passwords.

The innovation comes after Meta’s WhatsApp announced plans to support the technology last year, although it was initially only available to Android users. According to WABetaInfo, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iPhone available on TestFlight already includes a new menu for creating these keys. While the feature is not yet enabled, it is expected to be available to beta users soon.

Since the release of iOS 16, Apple users have been able to create and save keys using Safari and iCloud keychains. With iOS 17, this functionality was extended to third-party apps, allowing authentication with a key using Face ID or Touch ID on all Apple devices.

WhatsApp has been working on other major improvements. Recently, the platform released an update that allows users to authenticate in the app via email verification instead of SMS. There’s also a new option in development for users to set up usernames that can be shared with others instead of phone numbers.

Keep in mind that WhatsApp is available for free on the App Store and requires an iPhone running iOS 12 or later, although iOS 17 or later is required to use the new key. Meanwhile, the update represents a new commitment to the security and privacy of WhatsApp users.