For many years, Apple has included password management in its offerings, but it wasn’t until iOS 18 that the company introduced a dedicated Passwords app. This new app is packed with features, but one stands out to me: Shared Groups.
Shared Groups addresses a complex issue in the Passwords app
The Passwords app in iOS 18 enhances the capabilities previously found in the Settings app for iCloud Keychain.
One of my favorite new features is Shared Groups.
In simple terms, you can create a collection of passwords, passkeys, and more to be shared with anyone from your contacts.
According to an Apple support document:
Shared password groups provide a straightforward and secure method to share passwords, passkeys, and Sign in with Apple credentials with trusted contacts and family. Everyone in the group can contribute passwords, passkeys, and Apple sign-in details. When a shared credential is modified, the update syncs across all devices.
Previously, I would share iCloud Keychain passwords with my spouse through AirDrop. While this was convenient, it soon became unmanageable. The reason? As logins changed, we each ended up with outdated information, leading to confusion over time.
Creating Shared Groups is hassle-free, allowing you to add passwords easily, and they are versatile enough to meet your specific needs.
Need to share login credentials with a partner, colleagues, or your child’s school’s PTA? You can establish a group for any of these purposes. Plus, any changes to login details are sent to all group members instantly.
The flexibility of Shared Groups—completely free of charge—gives it a standout advantage over competitors, many of whom demand payment for similar sharing capabilities and impose limitations on contacts.
The advantage of Apple’s pre-installed apps
The Passwords app, automatically available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, helps Apple to overcome a significant challenge that its competitors face.
Most individuals you wish to share with won’t use the same password manager as you do—or might not use one at all. Thus, achieving seamless, two-way sharing with live updates becomes incredibly challenging for other services.
However, Apple holds a distinct advantage by providing an efficient sharing feature via the pre-installed Passwords app, even if your friends and family are not fully aware of it.
What are your thoughts on the Passwords app? Have you had a chance to use Shared Groups? Share your experiences in the comments.
