iOS 13 Update: How Does Sign In With Apple Work?

Apple launched a new Sign in with Apple feature on iOS 13, similar to the Sign in with Google and Sign in with Facebook features found in many apps and websites. What is this and how does it work? Here's a quick glance at the new feature.

Cupertino tech giant Apple added a new Sign in with Apple feature on iOS 13to compete with similar offerings from other tech companies. Apple's version is a more secure alternative to the other options and allows users to hide their identity and email addresses from app and website developers.

Apps that support the new feature have a “Continue with Apple” option found in login screens. Choosing this option over others brings up a page that informs users about its key usage benefits:

• First, the option allows iPhone users to sign in to apps and websites using their Apple ID. This option makes signing in fast and easy – there's no need to create a new account, unless the user doesn't have an Apple ID yet.
• Second, Apple won't track users who use the feature. What's more, Apple will only give apps and websites names and email addresses that users themselves define.
• Third, Sign in with Apple allows users to hide their email addresses from apps, while still allowing them to receive emails and messages from them.

Privacy is king

The Sign in with Apple feature values user privacy, and sends unique identifiers to each app and website to hide the user's identity. A screenshot over on MacRumors, for example, revealed that the feature sends a random username and email address to apps. Developers will not receive any user data unless users decide to make the data available for them.

The feature will also forward emails to the user in the event that the app sends him a message. Emails will be sent to the default email address, unless the user changes the associated email address.

Sign in with Apple works on the internet and in apps for iOS and Android. It will use biometric authentication methods such as Touch ID, Face ID and passcode options whenever available. It will also use two-factor authentication when used on the web.