Add Apple Biometrics (Face ID / Touch ID) for App Security

[SkinnnyJay]

Secure the bitchat before it starts

Idea

bitchat should support Apple’s built-in biometric authentication (Face ID and Touch ID) as an additional security layer.

Why

Many apps (e.g., banking, password managers, health apps) already leverage Apple biometrics to prevent unauthorized access. Without this, anyone with device access could open bitchat, exposing sensitive conversations. Apple encourages developers to integrate biometrics where privacy is critical, aligning with their best-practice guidance for user trust and platform consistency.

How

•	Use Apple’s LocalAuthentication framework for biometric prompts.
•	Allow users to enable/disable Face ID/Touch ID from settings.
•	Fall back to device passcode if biometrics fail.
•	Follow Apple’s HIG (Human Interface Guidelines) for secure UX.

This feature would bring bitchat in line with Apple’s security expectations and reassure users that their private data is protected beyond just device-level security.

Thoughts?

[qalandarov]

Good idea.

Also, there's a not well known feature at the OS level, starting from iOS 18, which allows users to "require FaceID" for any app on their device by long pressing on an app icon.

[SkinnnyJay]

Noice! @qalandarov I might look into adding it before I submit it to Captain Jack, I'll ping ya!

[qalandarov]

I don't think I have any say in it.
All we can do is find something that can be improved and suggest it :)

[SkinnnyJay]

👨🏻‍🍳 #641 I wanted to explore this a little, and was able to get a POC working. Feedback welcome.