whatsappWhatsApp has enabled a new Face ID authentication option for iPhones that support the feature, in the latest update to the messenger app (via WABetaInfo).

The Facebook-owned platform has been testing the feature for iPhone X and newer devices in its TestFlight beta releases for some weeks now, but version 2.19.20 of WhatsApp, now on the App Store, makes ‌Face ID‌ available for all users with supporting iPhones.

When enabled, users need to use ‌Face ID‌ to unlock the WhatsApp app, but they can still reply to messages from notifications and answer calls when the app is locked.

To require ‌Face ID‌ to unlock WhatsApp, tap Settings -> Account -> Privacy -> Screen Lock and toggle on the Require Face ID switch. Users with a fingerprint sensing Home button on their iPhones will see an option to Require Touch ID instead.

whatsapp face id
With the ‌Face ID‌/Touch ID toggle enabled, users will see some additional options appear below that allow them to activate the authentication requirement immediately, after one minute, after 15 minutes, or after one hour.

When the app is locked, if the ‌iPhone‌ fails to recognize a face or fingerprint, users can alternatively choose to enter their ‌iPhone‌ Passcode to open WhatsApp.

Elsewhere in this update, a smaller change means users can now download individual stickers in a sticker pack from the in-app sticker store, rather than having to download the whole pack. Just select a stickers pack, tap and hold the desired sticker, then tap Add to Favorites in the pop-up pane.

WhatsApp is a free download for ‌iPhone‌ available on the iOS ‌App Store‌. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

alexe Avatar
67 months ago
I don‘t understand why Apple won‘t finally allow to password-lock any app (without the Screentime workaround).
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macfacts Avatar
67 months ago
I don‘t understand why Apple won‘t finally allow to password-lock any app (without the Screentime workaround).
Yes this should be built in to the OS, not each individual app.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HacKage Avatar
67 months ago
Now it's time for Discord and other messaging apps (does Telegram have it?) to implement this.

But I agree that implementing it system wide on iOS would be a better idea.

However, having the phone locked with Face ID or Touch ID, how can be useful to lock apps individually?
Because if somebody wanted to use your phone to control Spotify or look something up, then you can hand them your phone and still feel secure. It would also help in cases of law enforcement forcing somebody to look at their recently detained phone to unlock it, for some apps to then have another level of security.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AnthonyG6 Avatar
67 months ago
This is nice and all but they should start the privacy improvements by not showing the sender name on the notification until unlocked. I think it is a serious privacy problem if anyone touching your phone screen can see who has send you a message.
This is already the case if you have a FaceID device. I have the iPhone X and when I get a Whatsapp message it only shows as a 'Whatsapp Notification', then when I look at the phone and it recognises me, it shows who the sender is. This is one of the best features of FaceID in my opinion.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Vasilioskn Avatar
67 months ago
Doesn’t Facebook own WhatsApp? Pass.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justperry Avatar
67 months ago
I said it because of this part of your message, but maybe I didn't quite understand it.
The Key to decrypt data, like all things you send, this does not include your fingerprint nor your face data, that is in the secure enclave and is inaccessible for Apps, they just get a "yes or no" for authentication from the secure enclave.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

reset password request iphone

Warning: Apple Users Targeted in Phishing Attack Involving Rapid Password Reset Requests

Tuesday March 26, 2024 4:34 pm PDT by
Phishing attacks taking advantage of Apple's password reset feature have become increasingly common, according to a report from KrebsOnSecurity. Multiple Apple users have been targeted in an attack that bombards them with an endless stream of notifications or multi-factor authentication (MFA) messages in an attempt to cause panic so they'll respond favorably to social engineering. An...
Generic iOS 18 Feature Purple

iOS 18: What to Expect From 'Biggest' Update in iPhone's History

Wednesday March 27, 2024 11:10 am PDT by
At least some Apple software engineers continue to believe that iOS 18 will be the "biggest" update in the iPhone's history, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. "The iOS 18 update is expected to be the most ambitious overhaul of the iPhone's software in its history, according to people working on the upgrade," wrote Gurman, in a r...
maxresdefault

Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May

Thursday March 28, 2024 11:07 am PDT by
Apple will introduce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in early May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman previously suggested the new iPads would come out in March, and then April, but the timeline has been pushed back once again. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple is working on updates to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The iPad Pro models will...
maxresdefault

Apple Announces WWDC 2024 Event for June 10 to 14

Tuesday March 26, 2024 10:02 am PDT by
Apple today announced that its 35th annual Worldwide Developers Conference is set to take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14. As with WWDC events since 2020, WWDC 2024 will be an online event that is open to all developers at no cost. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. WWDC 2024 will include online sessions and labs so that developers can learn about new...
apple maps 3d feature

Apple Maps May Gain Custom Routes With iOS 18

Tuesday March 26, 2024 3:10 pm PDT by
Apple may be planning to add support for "custom routes" in Apple Maps in iOS 18, according to code reviewed by MacRumors. Apple Maps does not currently offer a way to input self-selected routes, with Maps users limited to Apple's pre-selected options, but that may change in iOS 18. Apple has pushed an iOS 18 file to its maps backend labeled "CustomRouteCreation." While not much is revealed...
General iOS 17 Feature Orange Purple

Apple Releases Revised Versions of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 With Updated Build Number

Wednesday March 27, 2024 5:59 am PDT by
Apple on late Tuesday released revised versions of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 with an updated build number of 21E237, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The updates previously had a build number of 21E236. The revised updates are available for all iPhone and iPad models that are compatible with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, but they can only be installed via the Finder app on macOS...
applephilschiller

Apple's Phil Schiller Works 80 Hours a Week Overseeing App Store

Wednesday March 27, 2024 2:03 pm PDT by
With the App Store and app ecosystem undergoing major changes in the European Union, The Wall Street Journal today shared a profile on App Store chief Phil Schiller, who is responsible for the App Store. Though Schiller transitioned from marketing chief to "Apple Fellow" in 2020 to take a step back from Apple and spend more time on personal projects and friends, he is reportedly working...