How can Passkeys improve in-app user security for Android and iOS?

Passkeys are the next evolution of secure authentication. Forget about those annoying passwords that get reused, are easy to guess, or just don’t cut it anymore. Passkeys rely on public-key cryptography to keep accounts safe. They’re securely stored on a user’s device and can only be accessed using biometric data (like fingerprints) or a device PIN. In plain English: Passkeys are the password-free upgrade your users have been waiting for.

For users, Passkeys mean less hassle and more peace of mind. For developers, they’re a chance to build apps that are both ultra-secure and ridiculously easy to use. Here’s why they’re worth getting excited about:

• Enhanced security - Wave goodbye to weak passwords, phishing risks, and credential-stuffing attacks.
• Seamless user experience - Single-tap sign-in and autofill mean logging in is effortless.
• Cross-platform convenience - Passkeys work beautifully across Android, iOS, and major browsers, so users can hop between devices without a hitch.

Both Android and iOS make integrating passkeys into your app refreshingly simple. Here’s what’s on offer:

• Credential manager autofill - Passkeys appear as autofill suggestions, letting users log in with zero stress.
• Restore credentials - Users can recover saved login info when they upgrade or replace their devices, with no drama involved.
• Single-tap sign-in - Logging in with just one tap? Absolutely. This feature keeps users happy and reduces drop-offs during the login process.

• iCloud Keychain integration - Passkeys are stored and synced across Apple devices, making login seamless.
• Passkey sharing - Users can share passkeys between trusted Apple devices, keeping things convenient and secure.
• Biometric authentication - Face ID or Touch ID takes the hassle out of signing in, making it quick and frustration-free.

These tools streamline your development process while giving users a buttery-smooth experience, no matter their platform.

Passkeys are built for today’s digital-first users who expect fast, secure, and frustration-free experiences. Here are some hard-hitting stats:

• 81% of data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords.
• 52% of users abandon apps after a frustrating login experience.

Passkeys don’t just solve these problems—they boost user satisfaction and trust while they’re at it.

Designing for passkeys is all about creating flows that feel natural and intuitive. Android’s UX guidelines can help you ensure users transition to passkey-based authentication without a hitch. Clear onboarding, easy recovery options, and proactive error handling are key to getting it right.

Adding Passkeys to your app might seem like a big leap, but modern tools make it surprisingly straightforward. Both Android and iOS offer updated developer guides, migration resources, and troubleshooting support to make the process smooth.

At The Distance, we’re all about creating apps that push boundaries and set new standards for user experience and security. Ready to make passkeys part of your app’s story?