iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia Let Websites and Apps Automatically Update Existing Logins to Passkeys - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia Let Websites and Apps Automatically Update Existing Logins to Passkeys

With the new Passwords app in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, there's a feature that is designed to allow websites and apps to upgrade existing accounts to passkeys automatically.

ios 18 passkey upgrade
Enabled by default, the feature will speed up the adoption of passkeys, which are more secure than a traditional login and password. Passkeys log you in with Face ID or Touch ID rather than a password, and because on-device authentication is required, passkeys put a stop to online attacks like phishing. There's no password to steal or authentication code that can be intercepted.

Several popular websites and services have implemented Passkey support since Apple started using passkeys in 2022, including Twitter, Google, WhatsApp, TikTok, PayPal, Best Buy, Microsoft, PlayStation, and eBay.

Passkeys are supported in the new Passwords app that's available in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and Windows PCs through iCloud for Windows.

Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia

Popular Stories

Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...

Top Rated Comments

27 months ago
Not a fan of passkeys. They tie you to a specific piece of hardware…which is probably why Apple likes them so much.

I have been in numerous situations where I had to check email/airline accounts/etc from a different device.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
27 months ago

Not a fan of passkeys. They tie you to a specific piece of hardware…which is probably why Apple likes them so much.
They don't. Passkeys can theoretically be shared (1Password is working to allow this) and multiple passkeys can be generated attached to the same account.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
27 months ago
If you are robbed and lose access to all of your Apple devices, how do you login to your insurance provider to file a claim? How do login to anything with only passkeys and no device? Genuinely curious. Can I login to iCloud and use that on a new device or from the web? I’ve been hesitant to upgrade.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eminemdrdre00 Avatar
27 months ago

If you are robbed and lose access to all of your Apple devices, how do you login to your insurance provider to file a claim? How do login to anything with only passkeys and no device? Genuinely curious. Can I login to iCloud and use that on a new device or from the web? I’ve been hesitant to upgrade.
They are sync'd with iCloud. So you can log into a new device with your Apple ID and then your passkeys will be available.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
27 months ago
This is going to be seen as forced adoption and there is going to be pushback against it

Look at all the confusion in these comments about how passkeys work. A password is easy to understand. Passkeys are the unknown. This will make them difficult to defend

I am not sure what Apple has done is the best idea here. It is at least going to polarise a bunch of people against them
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
27 months ago
This is nice, but I hope it's a prompt that asks. I would really like it to not automatically do something without my consent.

I also wonder how this works? Seems like a good feature nonetheless.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)