Check Out These Features First
Every major iOS release usually comes with nice quality-of-life upgrades, unexpected issues, and a host of security updates. After spending some time with iOS 16 over the past few days, I can report that Apple continues to put privacy and security at the forefront of its user experience.
To get the most out of Apple’s efforts, you should take the time to learn about all the new safety features to better protect yourself. We’re outlining some top new features here so you know where to start.
Passkey Adoption
Apple wants to eliminate traditional usernames and passwords logins and replace them with passkeys. With iOS 16, users can take their first steps into a new, password-free world.
A passkey is a unique digital key stored in your phone that can only log you in to the site it was created for. You sign into websites with your saved passkey by scanning a QR code with your Apple device and then verifying your identity using a form of biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID. Passkeys are created and stored on your device, so you don’t have to worry about website data leaks potentially leading to account takeovers. Because each passkey is specific to the site you create it for, it’s a nearly phish-proof solution.
Passkeys are a simple and elegant solution to the online password security problem in an era of near-constant data breaches. I applaud Apple’s continued commitment to making good on their user privacy promises of the past and coming through with a clever way to change how we access the internet. The move to Passkeys is a multicompany effort, making it far more likely that the industry will move toward widespread adoption.
I still recommend giving a password manager a try, especially if you’re an Android user, but I believe passkeys are the future of logging in online. The password management industry knows it, too. LastPass recently rolled out a passwordless vault access option.
New iOS Authentication Practices
With iOS 16, photos that are sensitive or that you want to delete are safe from prying eyes because they’re now protected with an extra lock. Two albums in the Photos app, Hidden and Recently Deleted, now only unlock with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode….
