Contact Key Verification
One of the coolest new features that Apple previously announced that we’re still waiting for is called Contact Key Verification. This works with iMessage to provide an extra layer of security for those people who really need it.
You see, this feature isn’t for everyday people. Just like the somewhat extreme Lockdown Mode feature, Apple claims that Contact Key Verification is meant to help people with a high profile that’s likely to be targeted by spyware.
So if you or someone you know fits that description (i.e., journalists, politicians, etc.), you’ll definitely want to keep this feature in mind.
Contact Key Verification gives people a specific code that they’ll use to identify themselves. That way, it’ll be easier for you to know that the person you’re talking to is actually them and not someone impersonating them or intercepting your conversation.
Not only that, but Apple also said that this feature will let you know when the person you’re talking to recently added a new device that’s not recognized. So, even if someone manages to get into a person’s Apple ID, your iPhone will let you know that you should be careful when chatting with them.
This feature was announced in 2022, but we haven’t seen it go live. While it’s not 100% certain, it’s possible that we’ll finally be able to use this feature once iOS 16.6 drops.