what is the latest on passkeys

The latest updates on passkeys were discussed in several sessions at WWDC 2024. Here are the key points:

1. Automatic Passkey Upgrades:

   • Passkeys are a standards-based password replacement that are easier to use, more secure, and resistant to phishing. In iOS 18 and macOS, apps can automatically upgrade existing accounts to use passkeys when signing in. This feature is designed to enhance account security without requiring users to manage multiple passwords (What’s new in privacy).

2. Credential Managers:

   • Credential managers can now participate in automatic passkey upgrades. They can also fill time-based verification codes, usernames, passwords, or one-time codes into any text field. These features are part of the updated credential manager API (Streamline sign-in with passkey upgrades and credential managers).

3. Passkey Creation and Registration:

   • The system performs internal checks to decide whether creating a passkey makes sense at the time of request. If conditions are met, a passkey is created and the user is notified without interrupting their flow. This process is designed to be seamless and user-friendly (Streamline sign-in with passkey upgrades and credential managers).

4. Transition from Passwords to Passkeys:

   • The industry is moving away from passwords to passkeys, and automatic passkey upgrades will accelerate this transition. Shipping passkey support in apps and websites is crucial for making sign-in easier and improving account security (Streamline sign-in with passkey upgrades and credential managers).

5. Security and User Experience:

   • Passkeys provide a more secure sign-in method by eliminating phishable factors. They offer faster sign-in, fewer password resets, and reduced support costs. The new registration API creates passkeys automatically for eligible users during sign-in, making future sign-ins faster and more secure (Platforms State of the Union).

For a detailed overview, you can watch the session Streamline sign-in with passkey upgrades and credential managers which covers automatic passkey upgrades and improvements for credential managers.