One of the most useful new features to come to iOS over the last several years has been Security Code AutoFill. Added in iOS 12, this feature autofills the security code authentication text messages you receive from banks, websites, and more.
On Twitter this weekend, an Apple software engineer has offered a fun look at how the feature was developed.
Ricky Mondello explains that the idea for Security Code AutoFill actually came about while software engineers were working “what we thought was a much more ambitious project.” At first, Mondello says the idea was tabled for later, but when the “more ambitious” project didn’t work out, they shifted focus:
Mondello emphasizes that what makes the feature so great is that Security Code AutoFill works without having developers do anything, and while preserving user privacy:
We jotted it down, tabled it for weeks, and then picked it up after the ‘more ambitious’ project wasn’t panning out. It was hard, but I’m so glad we changed focus.
As for some people arguing that Android had the feature first, Mondello says “Nah. Details matter. Privacy matters. And clipboard != AutoFill.”
You can read more from Mondello on their full Twitter thread right here.
Hi! That’s extremely kind of you to say. Thank you!
Since we’re talking about this, here’s a short story about this feature… https://t.co/wvrZLENb36
— Ricky Mondello (@rmondello) October 19, 2019
