1Password has unveiled the public beta version of its passkey feature, allowing users to replace passwords on supported websites with their device’s own authentication. The long-awaited passkey technology enables users to create, store, and share passkeys for compatible websites by installing the 1Password beta browser extension on popular web browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, and Brave.
Notably, passkeys can only be generated for websites and services that have implemented support for this feature. To assist users, 1Password maintains a directory of platforms where passkeys can be used and provides a voting system for users to express their interest in passkey support on specific sites. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t guarantee the addition of passkey support on those platforms, although it may incentivize companies to adopt the feature if demand is high. In addition, 1Password’s Watchtower feature keeps track of existing accounts and alerts users when passkey support becomes available.
Although today’s release of the passkey beta does not encompass all the features planned for 1Password, it excludes passkey support on mobile devices, which is still under development for the iOS and Android apps. Moreover, replacing the 1Password master password with a passkey is not yet possible but is expected to be introduced next month.
1Password asserts that its passkey experience surpasses offerings like Google Password Manager and Apple’s passkey support, which only synchronize access within their respective ecosystems. In contrast, 1Password’s Universal Sign On feature supports multiple platforms and devices with cross-platform syncing, enabling users to create passkeys for the same account on different ecosystems, albeit requiring repetition.
While 1Password aims to eventually eliminate passwords altogether, the platform is not abandoning them at this stage. Passkeys are expected to become the new standard for login technology, but widespread adoption will take time. Rival password managers, including Dashlane, have also announced their support for passkey technology to stay relevant as passwords are gradually phased out.