An Apple Passwords app will be a small change with a big impact

The iCloud Keychain has been the backbone of Apple's password management system, providing a secure way to store and sync passwords and usernames across Apple devices. It has been integrated within the Settings app, offering features like auto-filling passwords and generating strong, unique passwords for users. However, its capabilities have been somewhat hidden, making it less known or utilized by many users.

The new Apple Passwords app is a significant upgrade from the existing password management system in Apple devices. While the current system, iCloud Keychain, is integrated within the Settings app, the new Passwords app will be a standalone application. This change will make it more accessible and user-friendly, especially for non-tech-savvy individuals.

Here are some key differences and enhancements the new Apple Passwords app is expected to bring:

1. Dedicated Platform: The Passwords app will offer a dedicated platform for managing passwords, making it easier for users to handle their login information for websites and software.

2. Integration: The app will be integrated with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15, the upcoming versions of Apple’s operating systems for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, respectively3. It will also work on Apple’s Vision Pro headsets and even on Windows computers6.

3. Password Import: The Passwords app will allow users to import their existing passwords from other password manager services like 1Password and LastPass2.

4. Categorization: The app will categorize logins for easier management. It will have sections for passwords, Wi-Fi networks, and Passkeys.

5. Two-factor Authentication: The Passwords app will support verification codes and serve as an authentication app similar to Google Authenticator.

6. Password Generation: The app will offer functionalities like generating strong passwords and automatically filling them in when logging into websites and apps.

7. Visibility: The Passwords app will be more visible and accessible than the current password management system, which is hidden within settings or login prompts.

In summary, the new Apple Passwords app will provide a more accessible, user-friendly, and comprehensive solution for password management compared to the existing system. It will directly compete with established third-party password manager services and encourage users to adopt more secure password practices.