One of the most remarkable iOS features ever added to the iPhone was the capability to automatically populate OTP codes. This convenient functionality was previously restricted to Messages and Mail OTP codes. With iOS 26, Apple is finally extending it to third-party applications, making it irrelevant where you receive that OTP code from. iOS 26 will ensure it is suggested to you immediately.
Interestingly, this enhancement took nearly seven years to come to fruition. The Security Code Autofill feature was launched back in 2018 with iOS 12. Since then, we have seen a surge of social media users stating, “Whoever developed this feature deserves a raise.”
Well, whoever advanced how iOS 26 users obtain OTP codes certainly deserves a substantial bonus. While Apple is not emphasizing this adjustment yet, numerous developers have shared about the enhancement on social media.
Elevating OTP codes with iOS 26
What makes the new OTP codes functionality in iOS 26 so advantageous is that users won’t need to do anything once the update is applied, apart from refreshing their devices.
Once iOS 26 is installed on your iPhone, it won’t matter if your 2FA code is delivered via WhatsApp or a different mail application. The system will detect it and suggest it without requiring you to exit Safari or the app you are currently using.
Apple will even indicate the source of the OTP, so you can ensure you’re entering the correct code for the correct website.
Alongside this feature, Apple is further enhancing user privacy by allowing its AI models to be utilized by developers in their applications. This ensures that customers will reap the benefits of Apple’s AI-powered features within third-party apps.
