Apple is taking a big step toward a password-free future. With the introduction of iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, the company is removing one of the biggest barriers to a truly open and secure digital identity system. The new operating system allows passkeys—Apple’s password replacement technology—to be shared securely across different platforms and apps.
Apple Breaks the Password Lock: Passkeys Can Now Travel Across Platforms with iOS 26
Passkeys Move Beyond Apple Devices
Until now, users were able to share passkeys on Apple devices only between iPhones, iPads, and Macs through iCloud Keychain. This meant that if you wanted to switch to an Android phone, use a Windows PC, or rely on a third-party password manager, your passkeys were stuck inside Apple’s ecosystem. This limitation reduced the flexibility of the passkey system. While passkeys offer strong security, they also became a form of digital lock-in for users.
But that is changing. Apple has teamed up with the FIDO Alliance to create a universal passkey transfer system. This system makes it possible to move passkeys, passwords, and even two-factor authentication codes between platforms. And it does so without compromising security.
No Files, No Hassle, No Risk
One of the most impressive features of this new system is data transfer. There are no files like CSVs or JSONs involved—formats that are often vulnerable to theft or misuse. Instead, the system uses a secure app-to-app transfer method. This requires local authentication such as Face ID or Touch ID. The result? Your passkeys are never saved as files that could be copied or stolen.
The data moves directly between the system keychain and the password manager. This method ensures that your passkeys stay protected. You also remain fully in control of which identity manager you use—something Apple’s tightly controlled Keychain never allowed until now.
Coming to All Apple Platforms
This passkey transfer system will not only be part of iOS 26. It will also arrive on macOS 26 Tahoe, iPadOS 26, and visionOS 26. Because it follows the FIDO Alliance’s open standards, it will work with popular managers like 1Password, Bitwarden, and Dashlane.
The feature will roll out in updates later this year. For anyone worried about being trapped in Apple’s ecosystem, this news removes that fear. Now, switching platforms without losing your passkeys is simple and safe.
For developers, technical details are available in Apple’s “What’s New in Passkeys” session on their developer site.
