Keep Your Passwords Secure and Accessible Across Devices with Passwords App in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Sequoia

Keep Your Passwords Secure and Accessible Across Devices with the New Passwords App in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Sequoia

Apple has introduced a significant enhancement in password management with the launch of a standalone Passwords app in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This new app centralizes and simplifies the way users manage their login credentials, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other sensitive information across all their Apple devices and even Windows PCs.

Secure and Centralized Management

The Passwords app replaces the previous method of accessing passwords through the Settings menu, providing a more direct and user-friendly experience. Upon opening the app, users must authenticate using a password or Face ID, ensuring an extra layer of security.

Once authenticated, the app is divided into six main tabs: All, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security, and Deleted. These tabs allow users to easily navigate and manage their various credentials. For instance, the All tab lists all saved passwords in alphabetical order, while the Passkeys tab displays passwordless sign-in credentials. The Codes section stores verification codes temporarily, and the Wi-Fi tab keeps track of network passwords. The Security tab alerts users to compromised passwords, prompting them to update their credentials. Finally, the Deleted tab shows passwords that have been removed, which are automatically deleted after 30 days.

Seamless Synchronization Across Devices

One of the standout features of the Passwords app is its seamless synchronization across Apple devices and Windows PCs via iCloud Keychain. This ensures that users can access their passwords on any device, making it easier to manage credentials without the need for third-party password managers.

Integration with Apple Ecosystem

The Passwords app integrates deeply with the Apple ecosystem, working smoothly with Safari and other supported apps to provide AutoFill capabilities. This feature allows users to quickly fill in login credentials on the web, enhancing productivity and reducing the need to switch between apps.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is a top priority in the Passwords app. It uses end-to-end encryption to protect user data, ensuring that only the user can access their credentials, even Apple cannot decrypt this data. The app also supports two-factor authentication for added security and alerts users if any saved password is compromised, prompting them to change it immediately.

Users can securely share passwords and passkeys using AirDrop or by creating shared groups. The app also includes tools to generate strong passwords, helping users avoid the common mistake of reusing weak passwords. If a user is reusing a password, the app will notify them and suggest a stronger alternative.

Compatibility and Availability

The Passwords app is available as part of the free software updates for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It is compatible with Windows PCs through the iCloud for Windows app, extending its utility to users who operate across different platforms.

Additional Features

The app supports passwordless sign-ins with Passkeys, which enhance security by eliminating the need for traditional passwords. Users can also filter and sort their accounts based on various criteria, such as recently created accounts or membership in shared groups.

With these features, the Passwords app in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia offers a robust and user-friendly solution for managing personal and professional passwords, ensuring both security and convenience across all devices.