iOS 15: Face ID and Touch ID can now completely replace passwords

With iOS 15, iPhone users will be able to create accounts on compatible sites without ever choosing passwords. Instead, the Passkey feature will use biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID) to continuously generate the most secure keys possible, without you having to worry about a thing. The technology is recognized by the FIDO Alliance consortium.

Passwords annoy you? you are not alone, and the web giants are currently redoubling their efforts to find better solutions than the available technologies. Ideally, it would indeed be lead to a user experience that is everywhere without the slightest friction. A bit like when the seller of the local tobacco shop no longer asks you to present an identity card when you pick up a package, because you are a regular and he recognizes you.

Passwords are easily forgotten and more and more complicated to secure, and OTP codes are impractical and can be hacked. We must therefore find better, and companies like Google, Microsoft and Apple are starting to design elegant solutions, without the slightest password. Google and Microsoft have taken a step ahead by adding biometric authentication and compatibility with FIDO security keys.

Apple is finally tackling the problem of passwords by replacing them with Face ID and Touch ID

Microsoft says in particular that more than 200 million Microsoft accounts already use a connection mode without password. We were waiting to see what Apple would offer in this area. And we know more thanks to WWDC 2021 and the presentation of iOS 15. Our colleagues from The Next Web have indeed spotted a functionality in the sense, named Passkeys.

Paskeys is recognized by the FIDO Alliance, responsible for the security key standard, as a solution offering an equivalent level of security. The only real restriction of this device is that it only works with Apple devices. Concretely, Apple seeks with Passkeys to make Face ID and Touch ID even more useful.

Currently you can use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock access to your saved passwords, but you cannot create accounts directly with these biometric devices. This changes with Passkeys: when you visit a compatible site, all you have to do is enter your details and the desired username. The passwords part is fully managed by Face ID or Touch ID.

The user has no password to choose, everything is automatic. From the next connection, the smartphone recognizes you and automatically connects you. What do you think of Passkeys? Share your opinion in the comments.