Forget LastPass: Apple unveils 'Passwords' manager app at WWDC 2024
How does Apple's 'Passwords' app integrate with existing devices and platforms?
Apple's 'Passwords' app is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing devices and platforms, particularly those within the Apple ecosystem. The app is built on iCloud Keychain, an existing Apple service that saves and syncs passwords across different devices. This means that the Passwords app will work across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS 15, as well as the Vision Pro and Windows computers2.
The Passwords app provides a user-friendly interface for managing passwords, generating complex passwords, and storing them securely. It also allows users to import passwords from third-party services, making the transition to the new app more seamless.
In terms of integration with other platforms, the Passwords app supports features like Face ID and Touch ID for authentication, allowing users to replace manual password input with biometric authentication. It also offers autofill functionality, automatically filling in login credentials when requested by websites or apps.
Overall, the Passwords app aims to provide a convenient and secure solution for password management, leveraging Apple's existing infrastructure and services to offer a seamless experience across devices and platforms.
How does Apple ensure the security of the passwords stored in the 'Passwords' app?
Apple ensures the security of the passwords stored in the 'Passwords' app through several measures:
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Built on Keychain Foundation: The Passwords app is built on the foundation of Keychain, which has been a reliable and secure password management system used by Apple for over 25 years25.
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iCloud Sync with End-to-End Encryption: The app syncs passwords across devices using iCloud, with secure end-to-end encryption, ensuring that stored data remains locked down and secure.
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Security Recommendations: The app provides security recommendations, identifying weak, reused, or leaked passwords, and prompting users to change them1. This helps users maintain strong and unique passwords for different services, reducing the risk of compromised accounts.
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Biometric Authentication: The Passwords app allows users to replace manual password input with Face ID and Touch ID, providing an additional layer of security and convenience.
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Third-Party Integration: The app can import passwords from third-party services, allowing users to consolidate their passwords into one secure location.
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Password AutoFill: The app offers Password AutoFill, which securely fills in passwords for users when required, reducing the risk of password exposure.
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Cross-Platform Compatibility: The Passwords app is available on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS 15, and also works with the Vision Pro and Windows computers, ensuring a seamless and secure password management experience across different platforms3.
By incorporating these security measures, Apple aims to provide a robust and reliable password management solution that can compete with existing password managers in the market.
What role does iCloud Keychain play in the functionality of the 'Passwords' app?
The iCloud Keychain plays a crucial role in the functionality of the 'Passwords' app. It is the existing Apple service that saves and syncs passwords across different devices. The Passwords app is powered by iCloud Keychain, which allows users to store their passwords, passkeys, credit card details, and other sensitive information across all their Apple devices securely2.
The iCloud Keychain utilizes strong end-to-end encryption to protect data and supports passkeys6. When using the 'Passwords' app, the iCloud Keychain automatically stores and syncs the passwords generated and used by the app across all approved devices3. This seamless integration is possible due to the existing infrastructure and deep integration of iCloud Keychain across Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS platforms.
Moreover, the iCloud Keychain ensures that the passwords stored in the 'Passwords' app are protected even under specific conditions, such as a user's iCloud account being compromised, iCloud being compromised by an external attacker or employee, or a third party accessing user accounts.
In summary, the iCloud Keychain is the backbone of the 'Passwords' app, providing secure storage, syncing, and protection of passwords and other sensitive information, making it easily accessible across all the user's approved Apple devices.