Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) was packed with exciting announcements, but one that’s caught everyone’s attention is the launch of a brand-new, standalone password manager. And guess what? It’s completely free!
Simply called ‘Passwords’, this app is Apple’s latest move to make life a bit easier for its users. If you’ve ever struggled to remember your login details or had to reset a password for the hundredth time, this might just be the app you’ve been waiting for. But what exactly does it do, and why should you care? Let’s take a proper look.
What is the Passwords App?
If you’ve been using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac for a while, you might already be familiar with iCloud Keychain. That handy little feature has been quietly saving and autofilling passwords for years. But now, Apple’s decided to take things up a notch by turning it into a full-blown app, making it easier to access and manage all your login details in one place.
The Passwords app is coming with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15, meaning it’ll be available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. But here’s the best part – it’s not just for Apple devices. Windows users can also get in on the action, making it a serious competitor to popular password managers like 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane.
What Can the Passwords App Do?
Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need another app?” But before you decide, let’s go over what it actually does.
- Stores and Syncs Passwords – Every time you log in to a website or an app, the Passwords app can securely save your credentials, keeping them in sync across all your Apple devices and even Windows PCs. No more writing them down on scraps of paper!
- Passkey Support – Apple’s been pushing passkeys, a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords. Instead of typing in a password, you can use Face ID, Touch ID, or a PIN to log in. The Passwords app will store and manage these for you, making it easier to use passkeys instead of traditional passwords.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Codes – Many websites now require an extra security step, like a six-digit code sent to your phone. The Passwords app can generate these codes for you, meaning you won’t need to juggle different authentication apps like Google Authenticator or Authy.
- Autofill Login Details – You know when your phone just magically fills in your username and password? That’s autofill, and the Passwords app will continue to do this across websites and apps, making logging in faster and smoother.
- Organises Logins into Categories – Ever lost track of which password belongs to which account? The Passwords app lets you organise your saved logins into neat little categories, making it easier to find what you need.
- Generates Strong Passwords – Struggling to come up with a secure password? The app can create one for you, making sure it’s tough to crack. No more using ‘password123’ or your pet’s name!
Why is Apple Doing This?
Apple’s known for putting security and privacy at the heart of everything it does. With online security becoming a bigger issue than ever, having a built-in password manager is a smart move. Many people don’t bother with third-party password managers because they either don’t trust them or don’t want to pay for them. By offering a free, built-in solution, Apple’s making it easier for everyone to stay secure online.
Plus, by bringing the app to Windows, Apple is making sure that even people who don’t use a Mac can still benefit. This is a big deal because many users have a mix of Apple and non-Apple devices.
How Does It Compare to Other Password Managers?
Apps like 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane have been around for years, helping people manage their passwords securely. So how does Apple’s Passwords app stack up against them?
Price: Apple’s Passwords app is free, while most third-party managers charge a monthly or yearly fee for premium features. That’s a win for anyone who wants a secure password manager without paying extra.
Integration: If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, Passwords will work seamlessly with your devices. No need to install extra apps or worry about syncing – it’s all built in.
Cross-Platform Support: Unlike some third-party options, Apple’s offering Windows support, but not Android. That could be a dealbreaker for those who also use Android devices.
Advanced Features: Some third-party apps offer extra security features like family sharing, emergency access, and password breach alerts. It’s unclear if Apple will add these over time, but for now, third-party options might still have the edge in terms of advanced features.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Using?
If you’re already using iCloud Keychain, switching to the Passwords app will feel like second nature. It’s free, secure, and easy to use, making it a no-brainer for Apple users who want a simple way to manage their passwords.
For those who need more advanced features or use a mix of Apple and Android devices, third-party apps might still be the better choice – at least for now. But with Apple continuously improving its ecosystem, this could be the beginning of the end for paid password managers.
So, what do you reckon? Will you be giving Apple’s Passwords app a go, or are you sticking with what you’ve got? Let us know!
