Twilio to Discontinue Authy Desktop Apps in August 2024
Twilio, the vendor behind the popular authenticator app Authy, has announced that it will be discontinuing the desktop versions of the app in August 2024. This decision comes as Twilio aims to concentrate its development efforts and resources on areas with higher demand. The desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux will no longer receive support or updates after the specified date.
Switch to Mobile Version Recommended for Authy Users
Existing users of the Authy desktop apps are strongly recommended to switch to the mobile versions of the app, available for iOS and Google devices from the Apple App Store and Google Play, respectively. Twilio notes that the iOS app will continue to be available for download on M1/M2 Apple computers, so macOS users on Apple Silicon hardware won’t be affected for now. By enabling the backups feature in Authy, users can ensure that their tokens in the desktop client automatically synchronize with the mobile app.
Twilio’s Decision to Sunset Authy Desktop Apps Explained
Twilio has made the difficult decision to sunset the Authy desktop apps in order to streamline its focus and provide more value on existing product solutions with increasing demand. As the company goes through a period of restructuring, it aims to concentrate its development efforts and resources to better meet the needs of its users. Though the discontinuation of the desktop apps may come as an inconvenience, Twilio believes that this move will ultimately allow for more meaningful innovation and improvement in other areas.
Recommendations for Users Transitioning from Authy Desktop App
Users who are currently using the Authy desktop app are strongly advised to make the switch to the mobile versions of the app. By downloading the mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, users can continue to enjoy the benefits of two-factor authentication (2FA) provided by Authy. It is important to note that the Authy app lacks an export feature, so users will have to disable Authy on every platform it’s used on and set up 2FA again on the new app.
Twilio Lists Alternative Desktop Apps for 2FA Authentication
For users who cannot or prefer not to use a mobile device for 2FA authentication, Twilio has provided a list of alternative desktop apps that can be used. Some of the recommended apps include 1Password, KeepassXC, Authenticator, Step Two, and Secrets. These apps can provide similar functionality to Authy and ensure that users can continue to secure their online accounts with 2FA. It is important for users to carefully consider and perform the necessary steps when switching to a different 2FA app, as a single error could result in losing access to their accounts.
Analyst comment
This news can be seen as negative for users who prefer the desktop versions of Authy, as it will be discontinued in August 2024. As an analyst, it is likely that Twilio’s decision to discontinue the desktop apps is a strategic move to streamline their focus and allocate resources to areas with higher demand. Users are advised to switch to the mobile versions of the app to ensure continued access to two-factor authentication (2FA) services.
