14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has just released the very first public beta of iOS 16.3, with users now allowed to try out some pretty big improvements, including support for physical security keys.
While the new iOS version comes with several important improvements, there’s no doubt that physical security keys support is one of the highlights.
Apple announced the feature earlier this year, explaining that users will be able to use a physical hardware device to protect their accounts.
In case you’re wondering, the feature will work with the typical third-party security keys that already support the platforms backed by the FIDO Alliance. And at first glance, it doesn’t look like Apple is interested in creating its very own hardware security key, or at least, not for the time being.
The support for security keys in iOS was announced earlier this year, with Apple explaining that the general availability would be reached at some point in 2023.
“Apple introduced two-factor authentication for Apple ID in 2015. Today, with more than 95 percent of active iCloud accounts using this protection, it is the most widely used two-factor account security system in the world that we’re aware of,” the company said.
“Now with Security Keys, users will have the choice to make use of third-party hardware security keys to enhance this protection. This feature is designed for users who, often due to their public profile, face concerted threats to their online accounts, such as celebrities, journalists, and members of government. For users who opt in, Security Keys strengthens Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of the two factors. This takes our two-factor authentication even further, preventing even an advanced attacker from obtaining a user’s second factor in a phishing scam.”
iOS 16.3 is projected to launch in early 2023, but no further specifics are available now.