Reasons to switch to Apple's password manager

Many people have been able to use it since installing the iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia beta. then affirmed that he would not return to the old password manager anymore. Here's why!

Passwords integrates really well with Apple devices

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If you're someone who primarily uses Apple devices, the Passwords app is a great addition to the ecosystem. The convenience of having the app ready to work on all devices where an Apple account is signed in is huge, making this app stand out from other third-party password managers.

You can even create groups within the app to share passwords or passcodes with family or friends. You simply choose the contact, the password to share, and the password will appear in their Passwords app in a separate group.

When you open Passwords, the app will also prompt you to authenticate via Touch ID, Face ID, or by entering your device's passcode. You can also add another layer of security by enabling Stolen Device Protection, which only allows strict biometric authentication and removes the passcode option.

Passwords also work on Windows laptops

One of the main reasons people choose third-party password managers is because of cross-platform compatibility. Surprisingly, Apple allows you to use saved Passwords through the iCloud app for Windows. This is especially useful for those who occasionally use Windows laptops.

However, the Windows app is not a full-fledged password manager; it is integrated into the iCloud desktop application. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it if you mainly use Windows computers. Luckily, there are some great password managers available for Windows that you can try.

Unfortunately, Apple doesn't offer an Android app. So if you use a Mac or iPad with an Android phone, you'll need to find another solution.

Passwords is the simplest password manager

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When you open the application, you will be greeted by a simple home page displaying 6 categories: All, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security and Deleted. The design is quite minimalist, with no unnecessary features, so everything you need is right in front of you. There are no hidden menus to navigate to access any features.

This is also a major upgrade compared to the previous Passwords menu inside the Settings app, which was quite inconvenient to access.

Switching from an existing password manager is also very easy. You can import saved passwords using a CSV file, and most password managers, like 1Password, allow all data to be exported in this format. This makes moving information easy.

Passwords doubles as an authentication application

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One feature that Apple didn't mention is that you can also use the Passwords app as an authenticator app. It can automatically fill in verification codes without having to open the app.

SMS-based two-factor authentication isn't very secure, so it's great to see Apple implementing and encouraging app-based two-factor authentication. There is no proprietary standard requiring developers to implement Apple's approach; Instead, you can set it up to receive 2FA codes like any other authenticator app, so this is definitely a huge plus.

There is no charge to use Passwords

Perhaps the biggest advantage of Apple's Passwords app over competitors like 1Password is that it's completely free. While some may find this app too basic, there's no reason to pay for a password manager if you just want to store your passwords securely and don't need the extra features. additional capabilities.

Most other options are subscription-based rather than a one-time purchase, which can be a sticking point for many users. Of course, if you need advanced features like custom fields for more information or secure notes for sensitive data, 1Password may be a better choice. However, if you and your family members primarily use Apple devices, the Passwords app is enough for most people.

The Passwords app is just one of many apps Apple launched with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Apple plans to release it alongside iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia in fall 2024. However, if you want to try it out sooner, you can install the iOS 18 developer beta or the macOS Sequoia beta. Since this is a beta, the experience may not be completely stable.

David Pac

Update 15 July 2024