iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma: Bid Farewell to Apple ID Password Woes!

Remembering my Apple ID password has become a breeze thanks to the measures I’ve taken. I prioritize security by using a long, unique password and frequently changing it. However, I rely on a password manager to handle all my intricate passwords, which frees me from the burden of memorization. Additionally, the convenience of Face ID on my iPhone ensures a seamless authentication process for my Apple ID.

Excitingly, the forthcoming iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma will revolutionize the way I interact with my Apple ID. Apple has announced the inclusion of passkey support for every Apple ID account, eliminating the need for me to remember my password. With this feature, logging in becomes effortless and swift.

Presently, Face ID (or Touch ID) on my iPhone streamlines the authentication of Apple ID purchases, while Touch ID on my Mac grants me access to my password manager, which securely stores my Apple ID password. Although these advancements have made logging into Apple ID more convenient, I still rely on a password, particularly on my Mac, even with the assistance of autofill features like 1Password.

However, this year marks a significant change with the introduction of passkey support for Apple ID. Some fortunate iPhone users who have already installed the iOS 17 beta have caught a glimpse of this feature in action. Now, with a passkey assigned to my Apple ID, I can effortlessly log into my Apple account on the web using Face ID from my iPhone, even when accessing websites on my Mac.

The future of Apple ID authentication looks incredibly promising, and I eagerly anticipate the widespread availability of passkey support. It’s reassuring to know that Apple continues to prioritize user convenience and security, ensuring a seamless and protected experience across its platforms.

With the introduction of passkey support, Apple is revolutionizing the way users log into their various sites. Instead of relying on passwords, you can now utilize the biometric authentication method on your iPhone or iPad, such as Face ID or Touch ID. Mac users can also take advantage of this feature by using Touch ID for signing in to their Apple ID with a passkey. This functionality is particularly useful if you primarily use a Windows PC instead of a Mac.

The passkey feature will be available on a range of Apple sites, including apple.com, icloud.com, appleid.apple.com, appstoreconnect.apple.com, and others. Although Apple still provides the option to log in with your password, you now have the choice to use the passkey instead. This is represented by the “Sign in with iPhone” option, as shown in the accompanying screenshot.

Moreover, passkey support will extend to apps and websites that already offer “Sign in with Apple” authentication. This means you can rely on the same biometric authentication method to access these platforms, ensuring a seamless and secure login experience.

It’s worth noting that the functionality of passkey support can be tested even before the final versions of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma are released. However, if you don’t see the passkey login option yet, it may not be available for you at the moment. Rest assured that Apple is likely to make this feature more widely accessible in the future.

The passkey feature will be exclusively available to Apple device users who upgrade to the operating systems released this year. If you choose to stick with iOS 16 or macOS Ventura, you will be provided with a QR code as an alternative method for logging in.

It’s important to note that passkeys are not intended to replace passwords entirely. Instead, they serve as a complementary feature, making the login process more convenient and secure for apps and services. It is still crucial to maintain a strong and unique password for your Apple ID account and periodically update it for enhanced security measures.