Hey there, tech lovers! Today we’re diving into an exciting update from Apple that makes our digital lives even easier and safer.
Apple recently previewed a handy new tool at WWDC that allows users to transfer passkeys seamlessly between devices. This new feature aims to fix one of the biggest issues with passkeys: their limited transferability. Now, a passkey created on an iPhone or Mac can be moved securely to other platforms, reducing lock-in fears and making digital security more flexible.
Previously, passkeys—industry-standard authentication credentials—were mainly useful within the same ecosystem. If you had a passkey on your Mac, transferring it to a Windows device or a third-party credential manager was nearly impossible. This limitation led to worries about being locked out of accounts if devices were lost or damaged, sparking some industry criticism.
To tackle this, the FIDO Alliance, a group working on universal authentication standards, has been developing protocols to improve passkey syncing. Companies like Google, Dashlane, 1Password, and NordPass are actively working on similar import/export tools, but wider availability is still on the horizon.
Apple’s new transfer process is revolutionary because it’s secure, user-initiated, and avoids risky file exports. Instead of copying unencrypted files, the transfer happens directly between trusted apps using local authentication methods like Face ID. The data is formatted using standard schemas agreed upon by industry leaders, ensuring consistency and security across platforms.
This initiative aims to promote secure, passwordless authentication—reducing reliance on weak or reused passwords, which are a major security vulnerability. Passkeys generate unique encryption keypairs during setup. The private key stays on your device, and only the public key goes to the service. During login, your device signs a challenge with the private key, proving your identity without revealing sensitive information.
While usability has been a challenge, Apple’s effort marks significant progress. Interoperability and ease of use are critical for widespread adoption. This new transfer feature promises to make managing credentials safer and simpler, empowering users with more control over their data.