During a WWDC presentation on Wednesday, Apple introduced a new feature in Safari that allows developers to integrate Face ID or Touch ID authentication for the web, replacing traditional text-based logins.
Currently, iPhone, iPad and Mac users can use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm their identity in compatible iOS applications. This is possible after the initial login, provided the user agrees. This completely replaces the need to enter a username and password. The same function is now available in Safari with a new API called Web Authentication. According to this, website operators should be able to integrate the new API in the future so that users can switch to Face ID or Touch ID after the classic initial login.
Improved login experience and more security
This means that once the usual registration process has been completed, future authentication can be done using biometric recognition. This includes the username, password and two-factor login information - if necessary. To draw attention to this, website operators can display a pop-up notification prompting users to use biometric authentication by default the next time they visit the website. The implementation of this feature is intended to provide an improved login experience while increasing security, as Apple explainedPhishing attacks would no longer be effective due to the way the new API works. (Image: Apple)