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For many years, Apple has included its built-in Keychain password management tool within the Settings app, enabling users to generate and save passwords automatically. However, managing specific logins efficiently could often feel cumbersome. With the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple launched the standalone Passwords app to enhance the convenience of credential management. Despite this, some users question whether the new app possesses enough functionality to rival paid password managers—or if that is even Apple’s intention.
One aspect Apple consistently emphasizes is user privacy—and by extension, the security of the services and products originating from Apple Park. This makes it particularly surprising that DMN recently uncovered an alarming HTTP bug that left Passwords users vulnerable to phishing attacks for nearly three months—from the initial iOS 18 release until a fix was deployed in iOS 18.2. While this notable issue was quietly addressed in December, it raises valid concerns about the service’s reliability.
So, what functionalities does the Passwords app provide users?
Evaluating the Advantages and Disadvantages
Upon launching Passwords for the first time, users will notice a layout strikingly reminiscent of the Reminders app, featuring two rows of categories: All, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security, and Deleted. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
The app enables users to view stored credentials, manage passkeys, generate rotating verification codes, review saved Wi-Fi logins, and receive alerts on compromised passwords from data breaches. Additionally, with the introduction of Family Passwords sharing, the app consolidates features that were previously scattered across different platforms, all in one easily accessible location from any signed-in Apple device.
However, there are several downsides.
Much like a password manager such as 1Password, credentials stored in the Passwords app can be accessed across any signed-in Apple device. There’s even the option to retrieve your stored passwords on Windows through the iCloud for Windows app. However, this app is not available for Android, making it less convenient for users with both Android and Mac or mixed-platform setups.
Furthermore, using a paid service like 1Password provides additional features beyond basic password storage, including secure notes, document storage, cross-browser integrations, and two-factor authentication capabilities, which the free Passwords app from Apple does not include.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Passwords app is still in the early stages of its development. It’s evident that Apple hasn’t committed extensive resources to it yet. Its straightforward, user-friendly design is undoubtedly aimed at individuals who have not previously utilized password managers—and that’s perfectly fine! I appreciate Apple’s focus on simplicity; even though the features offered are nothing groundbreaking, their convenient centralization in a single app is a plus.
If you’re currently using a service like 1Password and it works well for you, I don’t see a strong incentive to transition to Passwords, despite it being free. The app indeed lacks several essential features, such as the capability to create passwords with custom lengths and special characters, custom fields, password history, and browser compatibility. Nevertheless, it remains an appealing option for newcomers seeking a seamless experience without much setup required.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
I’ve been a satisfied 1Password subscriber for nearly a decade and often remark that it’s the best $3.99 I spend each month. Still, I am eager to see where the Passwords app evolves from here.
About Security Bite: Security Bite is a weekly security-focused column featured on DMN. Each week, Arin Waichulis provides insights into data privacy, uncovers vulnerabilities, or highlights emerging threats within Apple’s vast ecosystem of over 2 billion active devices to help you stay safe.
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