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WhatsApp is testing logins for users via Passkeys which is basically done using biometric security of your phone and completely removes the need to remember passwords. Google and Apple have already adopted passkeys for their web browsers this year and more companies are building a passwordless future, including Meta.

The passkey feature on WhatsApp will secure your account better and only allow people to see your device if you give them consent. Passkeys also work through Face ID which is the only biometric option for iPhone users these days. The passkey on WhatsApp is only available in the beta version for now, and access has been given to a limited number of beta testers, as mentioned by WABetainfo in this report.

Google’s use of passkeys is limited to on-device authentication which gives it an extra layer of security and no risk of the data getting compromised. WhatsApp will also have the same passkey structure and with the messaging app offering features like Linked Devices to run a WhatsApp account on multiple devices, passkeys could be the best option to operate and secure accounts on all the devices.

The fact that WhatsApp passkeys are coming to the beta version suggests the feature could be made public for all its users in the coming months. It will be interesting to see if WhatsApp brings third-party apps to the passkeys, allowing people to store them in these apps.

WhatsApp is also working on a native iPad app that has been spotted in the TestFlight this week. The interface is similar to the macOS and web versions which should make it easy for users. It won’t have live location-sharing feature but both video and audio calls could be supported from day one.

WhatsApp is also rumoured to become Meta’s new revenue fodder as the messaging app could finally bring ads which the company’s chief has denied but it won’t be surprising to see Meta take this route with the platform in the near future.