Apple's new iOS 16 to let you bypass annoying CAPTCHA on websites

Apple will soon allow users to bypass annoying CAPTCHAs and puzzles found on various websites. The feature spotted by MacRumors and explained by Apple will roll out with iOS 16, likely after the iPhone 14 series launches in September or October. In a post, Apple explains that its upcoming private access token in iOS 16 will let websites know that the system accessing the platform is genuine and not a bot.

In the post, Apple highlights, "Private Access Tokens are a powerful alternative that helps you identify HTTP requests from legitimate devices and people without compromising their identity or personal information". In a separate video, Apple Internet Technologies executive Tommy Pauly explains that CAPTCHA (aka Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) and site puzzles can sometimes restrict real humans with disabilities. "Private Access Tokens are what allow servers to automatically trust clients new in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura", the video notes.

To develop private access tokens, Apple has worked with Fastly and Cloudflare to help users bypass the CAPTCHA page. Fastly even claims that it has worked with Google to develop and standardize the technology behind private access tokens.

A Reddit user even spotted the feature in the iOS 16 beta. It appears users can check the availability of "auto-verification" via private access tokens by heading to Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security > Automatic Verification. Once the feature is enabled, the system will automatically verify your device on sites with CAPTCHAs and puzzles. It seems that the automatic verification feature is enabled by default in iOS 16.

The latest features sit alongside a host of other iOS and macOS tools to help users access sites safely. Apple had previously released Private Relay and Hide My Email.