Security Bite: Can Apple's new Passwords app replace your password manager?

The Passwords app, introduced in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, offers basic credential management features such as viewing saved credentials, managing passkeys, creating rotating verification codes, and reviewing saved Wi-Fi logins6. However, compared to third-party password managers like 1Password, it has certain limitations:

1. No browser or Android support: The Passwords app is exclusive to Apple devices, with the exception of the iCloud Windows app6. This means that users with mixed-platform devices, such as Android and Mac, may find this limitation inconvenient.

2. Lack of advanced features: While the Passwords app provides basic password management functionalities, it lacks some advanced features offered by other password managers3. These may include secure notes, document storage, cross-browser integration, and two-factor authentication.

3. No customization options: The Passwords app does not provide customization options that are available in some third-party password managers, such as custom fields for account numbers and favorites lists for frequently used logins.

4. Limited sharing capabilities: The Passwords app allows sharing credentials with members of your Family Sharing plan, but it does not offer the advanced password-sharing permissions found in other password managers5. For example, some tools allow you to share a login without making the password visible or revoke sharing when needed.

Despite these limitations, the Passwords app is a convenient option for newcomers to password managers or those who prefer an integrated solution within the Apple ecosystem6. As the app is still in its infancy, it may introduce more features and improvements in future updates.

The new Passwords app from Apple offers several key features that make it comparable to other password managers. These features include:

1. Dedicated Password Management: The Passwords app is a standalone app specifically designed for managing passwords, making it more convenient for users to handle their credentials compared to the previous iCloud Keychain feature hidden within the Settings app.

2. Synced Credentials: Like many password managers, stored credentials in the Passwords app can be accessed from any signed-in Apple device. This includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even Windows PCs via the iCloud for Windows app.

3. Passkeys Management: The app allows users to manage passkeys, which are a newer, more secure way of logging into websites that eliminate the need for an email address and password combination.

4. Password Generation: The Passwords app can generate strong, unique passwords directly within the app.

5. Password Import: It supports importing passwords from third-party services.

6. Family Sharing: The app includes a Family Passwords sharing feature, allowing passwords to be shared among family members.

7. Security Alerts: The app provides alerts about passwords that have recently been compromised in data leaks.

While the Passwords app offers these basic password management features, it currently lacks some of the more advanced features found in paid services like 1Password, such as secure notes, document storage, cross-browser integration, and two-factor authentication. However, its simplicity and integration with the Apple ecosystem make it a convenient choice for newcomers to password managers or those who prefer an integrated solution.