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One ofthe best iOS 18 features Apple announced at WWDC 2024was the new Passwords app. I’ve been using it since I installed the iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia beta. Now, I’m confident that I won’t go back to my old password manager. Here’s why.
It Integrates Really Well With Apple Devices
As someone who primarily uses Apple devices, I find the Passwords app an excellent addition to the ecosystem. The convenience of having the app ready to go on all my devices where my Apple account is logged in is unmatched, making it stand out compared to other third-party password managers.
You can even create shared groups within the app to share passwords or passkeys with family or friends. You just need to simply select the contact, choose which passwords to share, and the passwords will appear in their Passwords app in a separate group.
When you open the Passwords app, it will also prompt you to authenticate via Touch ID, Face ID, or by entering your device’s passcode. you’re able to also add another layer of security byenabling the Stolen Device Protection feature, which strictly allows only biometric authentication and removes the passcode option.
It Works on My Windows Laptop Too
One of the main reasons people choose a third-party password manager is for cross-platform compatibility. Surprisingly, Apple allows you to use your saved passwords via the iCloud for Windows app. This is particularly useful for me since I occasionally use a Windows laptop, so I’m not left stranded.
However, the Windows app is not a full-fledged password manager; it’s integrated into the iCloud desktop app. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend it if you primarily use a Windows computer. Fortunately, there are someamazing password managers available for Windowsthat you can try.
Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t offer an Android app. So, if you use a Mac or iPad along with an Android phone, you’re out of luck.
It’s the Simplest Password Manager I’ve Used
When you open the app, you’re greeted by a straightforward home page that shows six categories: All, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security, and Deleted. The design is pretty minimalistic with no unnecessary features, so everything you need is right in front of you. There are no hidden menus to navigate through to access any features.
This is also a huge upgrade from the prior Passwords menu inside the Settings app, which was pretty inconvenient to access and felt oddly misplaced since the start.
Switching from an existing password manager is also very easy. You can import your saved passwordsusing a CSV file, and most password managers, like1Password, allow you to export all your data in this format. This makes migrating your information a breeze.
It Doubles as an Authenticator App
One highly underrated feature Apple didn’t mention is that you can also use the Passwords app as an authenticator app. It can autofill your verification codes without you having to open the app.
SMS-basedtwo-factor authenticationisn’t very secure, so it’s great to see Apple implementing and encouraging app-based two-factor authentication. There’s no proprietary standard requiring developers to implement Apple’s method; instead, you can set it up to receive 2FA codes just like any other authenticator app, so this is definitely a huge plus.
I Don’t Have to Pay for It
Perhaps the biggest advantage of Apple’s Passwords app over competitors like 1Password is that it’s completely free. While some might argue that the app is too basic, there’s no reason to pay for a password manager if you just want to store your passwords securely and don’t need additional features.
Most other options are subscription-based rather than one-time purchases, which can be a hard pill to swallow for many users. Of course, if you need advanced features like custom fields for additional information or secure notes for sensitive data, 1Password might be a better option. However, if you and your family members primarily use Apple devices, the Passwords app is sufficient for most people.
The Passwords app is just one of the manyapps Apple Sherlocked with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Apple plans to release it alongside iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia in fall 2024. However, if you want to try it sooner, you caninstall the iOS 18 developer betaorthe macOS Sequoia beta. Since these are beta builds, your experience may not be completely stable.
