Social media platform X has announced the global rollout of passkey support within its iOS application, a move intended to enhance user account security. Passkeys, touted as a more robust alternative to traditional passwords, have been gaining traction in the tech industry due to their cryptographic foundation.
X initially launched passkey functionality in January 2024, but it was restricted to users in the United States. The recent update signifies broader accessibility for the company’s global user base.
In a support document, X outlined the security benefits of passkeys. “They offer increased security because they are generated individually by the device for each account, making them less susceptible to phishing attacks and unauthorized access,” the document stated. This approach contrasts with traditional passwords, which are vulnerable to compromise if intercepted by malicious actors.
X detailed the technical underpinnings of passkeys. “When you register an account, your device generates a unique key pair – a public key and a private key – for each account. The public key is shared and stored on X, while the private key remains on your device. Your access key is never shared with X to ensure maximum security and further reduce the likelihood of unauthorized account access,” the company explained.
The current implementation limits passkey configuration to the iOS mobile application. While X confirmed an Android version is forthcoming, a specific release date remains undisclosed.
Users can set up this feature in the account settings of the X application. However, some users have reported encountering errors during the setup process, indicating potential technical challenges that X may need to address.
Once successfully activated, subsequent logins will be facilitated through biometric authentication (e.g., Face ID or Touch ID) on compatible devices. By default, iOS stores passkeys within the Keychain application. However, users who utilize alternative password managers like Bitwarden can opt for a different storage location.
Security experts emphasize the importance of selecting a secure storage location for passkeys. Ideally, users should choose a synchronized platform accessible across all their devices. While iCloud storage offers compatibility with Apple devices, users with multi-platform environments (e.g., iPhone and PC) may require alternative solutions. Fortunately, several compatible password managers can fulfill this role.
For further details on the implementation and use of passkeys on X, readers are encouraged to refer to the official announcements and support documentation provided by X.
