FIDO2 Compatibility on macOS and iOS: Supported Versions and Solutions for Older Devices

FIDO2 protocol support is available on several macOS and iOS versions, especially recent ones with built-in WebAuthn support. Here’s a guide to compatible macOS and iOS versions and solutions for unsupported versions.

Supported macOS Versions for FIDO2

  1. macOS Mojave (10.14) and Later

    • macOS Mojave introduced FIDO2 support through WebAuthn, enabling passwordless authentication with compatible browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.

  2. macOS Big Sur (11.0) and Later

    • Big Sur has robust support for FIDO2, offering seamless integration for WebAuthn in applications and browsers.

  3. macOS Monterey (12.0) and macOS Ventura (13.0)

    • These versions provide enhanced WebAuthn functionality, making FIDO2 keys compatible with both system-level and browser-based authentication.

Supported iOS Versions for FIDO2

  1. iOS 13.3 and Later

    • iOS 13.3 introduced FIDO2 support via WebAuthn, primarily in Safari and compatible apps.

  2. iOS 14 and Later

    • iOS 14 expanded WebAuthn support, making it easier to use FIDO2 keys on more apps and services.

  3. iOS 15 and Later

    • iOS 15 improved compatibility and expanded the number of apps that can support FIDO2 authentication.

Solutions for Older, Unsupported Versions

If you’re using an older version of macOS or iOS without FIDO2 support, consider these solutions:

  1. Use an Up-to-Date Browser with WebAuthn Support

    • On macOS, installing the latest versions of Chrome or Firefox may provide partial WebAuthn support for FIDO2 on some older versions.

  2. Upgrade to a Supported macOS or iOS Version

    • Upgrading to macOS Mojave (10.14) or later, or iOS 13.3 or later, is the best way to ensure full FIDO2 compatibility and security.

  3. Third-Party Authentication Apps on iOS

    • Some third-party authentication apps like Authy or 1Password may offer limited compatibility, though they may not provide the full FIDO2 experience.

Upgrading to a supported version of macOS or iOS is generally the most effective solution for using FIDO2. This ensures the best integration and security for passwordless and multi-factor authentication.