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For years, Apple has provided its built-in password management tool for Keychains hidden in the Settings app. This tool allowed passwords to be automatically generated and stored in the Passwords section, but it can often be cumbersome if a user needs to quickly manage certain logins.
Now, in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, passwords have been split into its own dedicated app called Passwords. Apple hopes this change will make credential management easier for its users, but one question is on everyone’s minds right now: does it offer enough to replace paid password managers? Let’s talk about it.
Weighing the costs and benefits
When you open Passwords for the first time, you’ll notice that the layout is very similar to the Reminders app, with two rows of categories: All, Passwords, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security, and Deleted. It is very simple and easy to navigate.
The app allows users to view saved login credentials, manage passcodes, create rotating verification codes, view saved Wi-Fi logins, and receive alerts about passwords recently compromised in data breaches. With the addition of family password sharing, the app is a convenient mix of features that previously existed elsewhere, now in one place, accessible from any logged-in Apple device.
But there are some disadvantages.
Similar to a password manager like 1Password, saved credentials in the Passwords app can be accessed from any logged-in Apple device. You can even access your saved passwords on Windows through the iCloud for Windows app. However, there is no browser or Android support. The Passwords app is exclusive to Apple devices, with the exception of the iCloud Windows app. This can be an inconvenience if you use Android and Mac or a combination of multi-platform devices.
Additionally, if you use a paid service like 1Password, you know that it offers features beyond basic password storage, including secure notes, document storage, cross-browser integration, two-factor authentication, etc. These are not offered in the free Passwords app Apple.
Complete
In conclusion, the Passwords app is currently in its infancy. The simple, easy-to-use layout is clearly aimed at people who have never used a password manager before.
If you already use a service like 1Password and find it effective, I don’t see a compelling reason to switch to Passwords, despite it being free. Although the app focuses mainly on basic login management, it can be a useful choice for newcomers to password managers or for those who prefer an integrated solution, as Passwords is available in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and even visionOS 2. Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and preferences.
Nevertheless, I’m curious to see where the app goes. Will you be using the new Passwords app in iOS 18?
About Security bite: Security Bite is a weekly security-focused column on 9to5Mac. Weekly, Arin Waichulis delivers data privacy insights, exposes vulnerabilities, or sheds light on emerging threats across Apple’s vast ecosystem of more than 2 billion active devicesS to still help you safely.
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