Facebook-owned WhatsApp has released a new update for its iOS app that brings support for biometric authentication.
Direct access to WhatsApp’s on IPhone app can now be protected using the phone’s biometric security. The Touch ID exists on the iPhone 5S through to the iPhone 8 Plus. While Face ID will only be available to the iPhone X and any version above it.
To activate the new feature, users’ will be first required to update to v2.19.20 of WhatsApp from the App Store.
After that you’ll need to head to the settings inside the app, then hit “account,” “privacy,” and “screen lock.” There, you can choose to activate Face ID or Touch ID. Once the feature is activated, you can stipulate if you prefer Face ID or Touch ID used immediately or after 1 minute, 15 minutes, or 60 minutes of inactivity.
However the extra security feature work on locking single chat but instead will be used lock-up the entire app. Chat Notifications will still appear on the screen if turned on, allowing users to quick-reply to messages.
The addition of Apple's biometric authentication to WhatsApp comes a few days after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was reportedly planning to integrate the three giant social media app So as to create a safer experience among users.
WhatsApp is said to be testing a similar feature for Android users but hasn't yet said when this will be released.