Apple testing new way to sign into iCloud: Details here
What's the story
Apple is leveraging biometric authentication to make its cloud storage service iCloud more accessible to the users.
The feature would let you sign into the iCloud on the web just by authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID. Not only it is hassle-free, it is also a lot more secure.
However, the capability is active for select users at present.
Here are the details.
iCloud access
iCloud access revolves around signing in with Apple ID
iCloud is Apple's cloud-based space to host photos, videos, documents, music, and app data synced from iDevices owned by a person.
You can access your iCloud and the data it holds anytime and anywhere by signing in with your Apple ID.
But, in order to do that, you have to enter the password, which people tend to forget. Plus, it can be hacked.
Authentication
This is where biometric authentication comes in
To make the sign-in simpler and more secure, Apple is testing Face ID/Touch ID authentication for iCloud, 9To5Mac reported.
This means, whenever you'll sign into your iCloud via Safari for iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the site would prompt you to authenticate your Face or fingerprint to log in.
The option would provide direct access to iCloud data, saving you the trouble of entering passwords.
Caveats
However, there are some caveats
While the feature sounds interesting, it is worth noting that it is being tested only with those using the latest beta of iOS 13, iPadOS, and macOS Catalina.
The iCloud website for users running the beta versions automatically redirects to beta.icloud.com and asks the user to authenticate with their face or fingerprint.
Evidently, the option would also keep your iCloud credentials from being compromised.
Availability
When this feature would be available
Currently, there is no word on the public rollout of the new iCloud sign-in capability.
However, as the feature relies on the new OS releases from Apple, we expect the public rollout to happen when the stable iterations of iOS 13, iPadOS, and MacOS Catalina become available.
To recall, Apple had previously said the operating systems would be available later this year.