Foundation Devices is set to release their latest retail hardware wallet, Passport Prime, in the third quarter of 2025. This innovative device boasts a full-color touch screen the size of a credit card, designed with a sleek industrial aesthetic. The primary goal of Passport Prime is to serve as a developer platform for Bitcoin and crypto software with stringent security requirements.
In addition to catering to the basic wallet needs of Bitcoin users, Passport Prime is positioned as an open-source platform for app developers to introduce a new realm of crypto-native cybersecurity to the public. The device is anticipated to come equipped with a robust Bitcoin wallet app, virtual YubiKeys, a 2FA app, a seed vault for imported or low-value crypto wallets, 50 GB of storage, NFC, and encrypted Bluetooth support, among other cutting-edge features.
Foundation Devices has been driven by the frustration surrounding the lackluster adoption of hardware wallets, especially as the crypto industry transitions into mainstream acceptance. Since 2020, the team has been diligently working to bridge the gap and bring security hardware devices to a level of feature parity with mainstream consumer technology. However, the journey has been complex and challenging.
The adoption of hardware wallets has been crucial for Bitcoin users, with the introduction of the Trezor by Satoshi Labs in 2014 marking a significant milestone. Prior to this, users had limited options, and many suffered losses due to inadequate knowledge on how to manage and secure private keys effectively. While solutions like Armory and hardware modifications were available, they were often technical and not user-friendly.
As the market expanded, hardware wallets gained traction. However, with the rapid growth of Bitcoin, security practices have struggled to keep pace with the convenience offered by custodial services. Foundation Devices recognizes the pressing need to enhance security while delivering a familiar and comfortable user experience to drive broader adoption of hardware wallets.
The design of Passport Prime strikes a balance between high security and user familiarity, resembling a mobile phone-style device with specific hardware and software components. The device operates on its own operating system, KeyOS, developed from the ground up in Rust to provide a smartphone-like experience with sandboxed apps.
Passport Prime integrates wallet-related cryptography seamlessly, ensuring that all apps are sandboxed and receive secure, isolated keys derived from a master seed phrase set up by the user. This unique design allows for secure app development on the device, positioning it as a versatile security platform for everyday use in the digital age.
While traditional hardware wallets lack sensors and antennas found in mobile devices, NFC is included in Passport Prime for secure communication. The device also features Bluetooth integration, a contentious choice that Foundation Devices has addressed through QuantumLink, a quantum-secure encryption standard that isolates the Bluetooth chip and establishes a secure connection with designated apps.
To enhance user experience, Passport Prime offers NFC cards for Shamir secret sharing, enabling secure key recovery. Additionally, an encrypted cloud backup service and 50 GB of storage cater to diverse user needs. The device also supports third-party apps like Cake Wallet, showcasing its versatility and compatibility with popular applications.
Passport Prime is currently available for purchase on the Foundation Devices website, offering a comprehensive solution for secure crypto storage and everyday use. With its innovative features and commitment to user-friendly design, Passport Prime aims to revolutionize the hardware wallet industry and drive widespread adoption among crypto enthusiasts.