Google Prompt Arrives in Gmail for iOS
20.4.2018 securityweek Apple

Google this week announced that iOS users can now receive Google prompts via their Gmail application.

First released in June 2016 as a new 2-Step Verification (2SV) functionality, Google prompt allows users to confirm an attempt to log into their accounts with a single tap on their mobile devices.

Typical 2SV processes involve receiving a SMS with a login code that needs to be entered on a sign in page, a step that could prove an inconvenience at times. To eliminate this, the search giant launched Google prompt, which displays a popup message on the user’s mobile devices, asking them to confirm the login.

The feature was rolled out to both Android and iOS devices right from the start. On iOS, however, users had to have the Google Search app installed to take advantage of the feature.

In July last year, after adding real-time security information about the login attempt, such as when and where it was made, Google started inviting 2SV SMS users to Google prompt.

In October last year, the company made Google prompt the primary choice for G Suite users turning on 2SV for the first time. The company pushed the feature to all of its users who choose to enable the extra layer of security, but continued to require the Google app to be installed for iOS users to benefit from the added security.

In an attempt to entice more users to start using Google prompt, the search company has now decided to eliminate this requirement.

“Today, we’re making it possible for users with iOS devices to receive prompts via their Gmail app as well. This should encourage more people to use Google prompt, which is an easier and more secure method of authenticating an account,” Google notes in a blog post.

According to Google, users who have both the Google app and Gmail app installed on their iOS devices will see the prompts from Gmail.

The availability of Google prompt in Gmail for iOS is rolling out for all G Suite editions and should become available to all users in a matter of days (though it could take up to 2 weeks to become visible for some of them).