If you use Google Drive on your iPad or iPhone, and have been hoping Google would add support for Apple’s biometric security features, the wait is finally over.
Google Drive for iOS now supports both Touch ID and Face ID to secure the documents within. The app, available for both the iPhone and iPad, was updated on Monday, May 4, to include the Privacy Screen feature. Turning this on, and then allowing the app to use Touch ID or Face ID, will lock the app behind the biometric security measure for anyone who tries to access it.
Users will be able to select when Privacy Screen activates. They can choose to have Face ID or Touch ID activate any time the app is opened, or when the user switches away and back to the app. Other choices include to delay activation for 10 seconds, one minute, or ten minutes.
Google does note a few things (per The Verge): Privacy Screen won’t prevent folks from seeing notifications related to documentation. The feature won’t protect photos shared with the Photos app, “certain” Siri functionality, and files shared with the Files app.
With this update, the version number history is up to 4.2020.18204. It’s available now and it’s a nice upgrade over the standard PIN code security option. Here’s the changelog:
* Privacy Screen is a new feature that uses Face ID or Touch ID to protect your sensitive files from prying eyes.
* Bug fixes and performance improvements
Google Drive for iOS is available now as a free download.