Wired
Apple’s iOS 16 and macOS Ventura will integrate support for the passkey standard with the next round of software updates coming this fall. Described as a unique digital key, the standard aims to completely replace the need for passwords with simplified logins across devices, websites and apps.
passkey replaces the user’s password with a digital key unique to the account. This digital key remains on the device, is encrypted end-to-end and is never stored on the web server, each key is unique to the app, website or service.
Additionally, the standard will require users to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on their Apple accounts. To this end, Apple shared details about the adoption of 2FA among iCloud users for the first time with foreign media 9to5Mac.
Apple revealed that more than 95 percent of active iCloud users have 2FA enabled on their accounts, part of Apple’s efforts to protect users’ devices and accounts.
2FA refers to the combination of password and physical authentication methods, such as password + fingerprint, password + token, etc., which can effectively improve account security.
Apple is also continuing to expand features and services that require 2FA. For example, AirTags requires user accounts to have 2FA enabled, as does the new universal controls and iMessage syncing.
A 95% 2FA adoption rate among iCloud users will help accelerate the transition to passkey and ultimately a completely passwordless future.
