With the next round of software updates rolling out this fall, Apple iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, among others, will integrate support for the passkey standard. The standard is described as a unique digital key designed to completely replace the need for passwords with simplified cross-device, website and App logins.
passkey replaces the user’s password with a digital key unique to the account. This digital key remains on the device and is encrypted end-to-end and is never stored on the Web server, and each key is unique to the App, website or service.
In addition, the standard will require users to enable dual authentication (2FA) on their Apple accounts. To that end, Apple shared details about the adoption of 2FA among iCloud users for the first time with the external media outlet 9to5Mac.
Apple revealed that more than 95 percent of active iCloud users have 2FA enabled on their accounts as part of Apple’s efforts to protect users’ devices and accounts.
2FA is a method that can effectively improve account security by using a combination of both password and physical authentication methods, such as password + fingerprint, password + token, and more.
Apple is continuing to expand the features and services that require 2FA. For example, AirTags requires user accounts to be 2FA-enabled, as does the new Universal Controls feature and iMessage sync.
A 95 percent 2FA adoption rate among iCloud users will help accelerate the transition to passkey and ultimately a completely password-free future.
