Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by Arnav Sharma
With the introduction of iOS 18, Apple has made a significant move to tackle a persistent problem faced by millions of users: managing passwords securely and efficiently. Apple’s new standalone password manager app, simply called Passwords, promises to revolutionize the way users manage passwords and passkeys across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. But how does Apple’s Passwords app stack up against traditional password managers like 1Password and LastPass?
The New Passwords App in iOS 18: A Standalone Solution
With the iOS 18 software update, Apple has rolled out a new app: the Passwords app, which takes the password management capabilities that were previously tucked away in the iCloud Keychain and gives them a prominent place on users’ devices. This standalone passwords app makes it easier to access your passwords and organize them in a more user-friendly interface, offering end-to-end encryption for saved credentials. But is Apple’s solution the ultimate password manager?
The new Passwords app, available on macOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18, and even Windows through iCloud, aims to centralize all your login information, passkeys, and verification codes in one secure location. Passwords and passkeys are synced across your devices, ensuring that the information is always at your fingertips. Plus, with Face ID security, users can safely access their information without worrying about breaches.
How Apple’s Passwords App Works
Apple’s new password manager is built directly into the iOS 18 passwords app. This app is not just about storing passwords; it also provides the ability to manage Wi-Fi passwords, credit card information, and even two-factor authentication codes. This means Apple users no longer have to rely on third-party password managers for most of their password needs.
The autofill passwords and passkeys feature allows seamless login into apps and websites, while end-to-end encryption means that only you can access your sensitive information. Even Apple itself cannot decrypt the data, making it a highly secure option for managing passwords. The app includes security alerts for weak or reused passwords, making it easier to maintain a strong security posture.
Key Features of Apple’s Passwords App
- End-to-End Encryption and Syncing Across Devices
One of the key advantages of the Passwords app is that it syncs passwords and data across your devices using iCloud. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or macOS Sequoia device, the app ensures that your credentials are safely synced across your devices. This allows you to access your passwords on any Apple device, or even on Windows devices through iCloud for Windows. - Passkeys: A Step Beyond Passwords
In an attempt to move beyond traditional passwords, Apple is also embracing passkeys. This new app includes the ability to use passkeys instead of passwords where available. Passkeys provide a more secure, passwordless login experience, and Apple’s Passwords app allows you to generate a strong password or use passkeys wherever possible. Users can turn on automatic passkey upgrades for existing accounts, further enhancing security. - Sharing Passwords Securely
The ability to share passwords with family and other trusted contacts has been significantly improved with the Passwords app. Unlike the iCloud Keychain, where sharing was more cumbersome, the new app offers a secure way to share passwords and passkeys. Whether you need to share Wi-Fi passwords or access to a joint account, you can do so easily and securely. - Integration with Apple Devices
Apple’s Passwords app integrates well with other Apple devices using iCloud. With features like Face ID and Touch ID to lock the app, users get an added layer of protection. Additionally, the autofill function is particularly convenient, allowing users to log in to websites and apps with just a tap.
Apple Passwords App vs. Third-Party Password Managers
So, how does Apple’s new Passwords app compare with other password managers like 1Password, LastPass, or even Proton Pass?
- Cross-Platform Availability
The Passwords app is great for users firmly in the Apple ecosystem. However, it falls short of the broad cross-platform compatibility offered by 1Password and LastPass. While Apple has extended some compatibility with iCloud for Windows, it still lacks native support for Android and Linux users. On the other hand, 1Password offers apps for Windows, Android, Linux, and all major browsers, making it a more versatile solution for those with mixed-device environments. - Advanced Features and Control
Password managers like 1Password provide advanced features like Travel Mode, which allows users to temporarily remove vaults from their devices while traveling to maintain privacy. Additionally, 1Password offers Watchtower, which alerts users of weak or compromised passwords and other vulnerabilities. While Apple’s Passwords app does include basic security checks for weak passwords, it lacks the depth of monitoring and control available in third-party managers. - Sharing Capabilities
1Password and LastPass also offer extensive sharing capabilities, allowing users to create shared vaults with trusted contacts, even if they are not part of the same platform. In contrast, Apple’s new password manager restricts sharing to Apple users via iCloud, limiting flexibility. - Encryption and Security
All password managers, including Apple’s, use AES-256 encryption to protect user data. Apple has built a strong reputation for security, and end-to-end encryption ensures that data remains private. However, the recent security breaches involving LastPass highlight the importance of choosing a reliable password manager. Apple’s Passwords app, with its reliance on end-to-end encryption and integration with Apple’s ecosystem, may be a more secure option for those who prefer to avoid third-party risks.
Should You Use Apple’s Passwords App?
The Passwords app is a powerful addition for users deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem. Its tight integration with iOS, macOS, and iPadOS allows for a seamless experience with autofill, Face ID security, and syncing across devices. It’s easy to set up iCloud, and once you turn on iCloud Keychain, you can create, manage, and share passwords with ease.
However, if you’re someone who uses multiple platforms, or if you need advanced features like those provided by 1Password and LastPass, such as third-party compatibility, multiple vaults, and security insights, you may find Apple’s solution limiting.
Final Verdict: Apple’s Passwords App vs. Password Managers
Apple’s Passwords app is a welcome addition for those already within the Apple ecosystem, providing a secure password manager with a focus on convenience and end-to-end encryption. It’s great for managing passwords, passkeys, and sensitive information in one place, without worrying about third-party security concerns.
On the other hand, 1Password, LastPass, and Proton Pass continue to offer more advanced features, broader device compatibility, and a greater degree of control. If you’re looking for a password manager app that works across iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, then a third-party password manager might be more suitable for you.
Ultimately, whether to use Apple’s new password app or another password manager depends on your specific needs—whether you value integration and simplicity over flexibility and advanced features. Whichever you choose, the important thing is to use a password manager that keeps your data encrypted, secure, and easy to access across your devices.
FAQ:
Q: What are passkey, and how are they related to iCloud?
A: Passkeys are a new, secure way to authenticate yourself without traditional passwords. They are stored in your iCloud Keychain and allow you to sign in to a website or app using encrypted data that syncs across Apple devices. You can manage them using the Passwords app on your device, which includes a new feature to store both passwords and passkeys.
Q: How do I turn on iCloud Keychain on my Apple devices?
A: To turn on iCloud Keychain, go to the Settings app on your device, then navigate to “iCloud” and select “Keychain.” Turning on iCloud Keychain ensures that passwords, passkeys, credit card information, and other data are synced across Apple devices for secure access.
Q: How do I use Autofill with iCloud Keychain?
A: Use Autofill to quickly fill in stored information like passwords, passkeys, and credit card details on websites or in apps. This feature works seamlessly if iCloud Keychain is enabled on your device. Simply enable “Autofill” in your settings under “Passwords & Security” to start using this feature.
Q: Can I delete a password or passkey from my iCloud Keychain?
A: Yes, you can delete a password or passkey stored on your device by opening the Passwords app, which lets you view, manage, and delete any saved data. This app is available on iOS 17 and later versions and helps you easily manage your stored information.
Q: How does iOS 18’s Passwords app improve security?
A: The iOS 18 Passwords app includes a new feature for better management of passwords and passkeys. It allows you to store, manage, and even create strong passwords that are synced across your Apple devices through iCloud Keychain. The app is locked and encrypted, providing an additional layer of security for your sensitive data.
Q: How do I sync passwords and passkeys across my devices?
A: To sync passwords and passkeys across your devices, use iCloud Keychain. This feature automatically syncs your passwords and passkeys, making them available on any device signed in with the same Apple ID. Simply turn on iCloud Keychain in the settings to get started.
Q: How do I delete a password stored on my device?
A: To delete a password stored on your device, go to the Passwords app or the “Settings” app, navigate to “Passwords,” and select the password you want to delete. Once selected, you will have the option to remove it from your device. This will also delete it across all devices synced with iCloud Keychain.
Q: Can I use iCloud passwords on non-Apple devices?
A: Yes, iCloud passwords can also be used on non-Apple devices. You can use the iCloud Passwords extension on browsers like Chrome or Edge to access your saved passwords. This provides a tool to extend the convenience and security of iCloud Keychain to platforms beyond Apple devices.
Q: What is the benefit of using a password manager with iCloud authentication?
A: Using a password manager with iCloud, such as the Passwords app, allows you to create and manage strong passwords securely across your Apple devices. It provides a centralized tool that keeps your information encrypted, stores your credentials, and integrates them with Autofill to streamline the login process on any website or app.
Q: How do I use passkeys on my devices with iCloud Keychain?
A: Passkeys can be used on your devices with iCloud Keychain for seamless authentication without traditional passwords. Once stored in your iCloud Keychain, you can use the new passkey feature to sign in securely with encrypted data, and it will be accessible across all your Apple devices.
Q: What information can I store in the iCloud Keychain?
A: You can store passwords, passkeys, and credit card information in your iCloud Keychain. This information is encrypted and synced across Apple devices to ensure secure access when using features like Autofill, allowing for a smooth experience when filling out forms or signing into accounts.
Q: How do I use Autofill for credit card information on my iPhone?
A: To use Autofill for credit card information on your iPhone, make sure that iCloud Keychain is enabled. Then, go to “Settings,” select “Safari,” and turn on “Autofill.” This feature will use the stored credit card information in your iCloud Keychain to quickly fill in payment details whenever needed.
Q: How does iOS 17 integrate passwords and passkeys?
A: iOS 17 integrates passwords and passkeys across Apple devices, providing a unified management system. With iCloud Keychain, all your credentials are stored securely, and you can use them for easy sign-in across websites and apps, enhancing both security and convenience.