Apple will automatically assign each user a passkey so they can log into Apple accounts without needing a password.
Passkey allocation will start with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma.
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Apple ID passkeys already works on iCloud.com and appleid.apple.com on the web for users running the latest developer beta. The Apple ID passkey will also let you login without a password onto sites that support “Sign in with Apple.” Your Apple ID passkey will automatically sync across all your devices as long as you use the same Apple ID.
Apple will also let you sign up for websites that support passkeys — such as PayPal, Shopify, and Kayak — by scanning a QR code with your iPhone.
Based on industry standards for account authentication, passkeys are easier to use than passwords and far more secure, as they rely on a standard that uses device-based authentication using Face ID, Touch ID, or PIN instead of a password.
A passkey is a cryptographic entity that’s not visible to you, and it’s used in place of a password. A passkey consists of a key pair, which—compared to a password—profoundly improves security. One key is public, registered with the website or app you’re using. The other key is private, held only by your devices.