According to a new report, Apple is gearing up to introduce a standalone Passwords app at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Slated to launch with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15, this new app aims to simplify and enhance password management across the tech giant’s ecosystem.
Password managers are becoming essential tools for enhancing online security. Many companies, recognizing their importance, have started integrating them into their software. Apple already offers password management through iCloud Keychain, embedded in iOS, Mac, and Safari. However, these features are often hidden within the Settings app, making them less accessible.
As revealed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s new Passwords app will bring these capabilities to the forefront, providing a user-friendly interface that rivals established services like LastPass and 1Password. This app is expected to significantly increase the visibility and usage of Apple’s password management tools.
The Passwords app will utilize iCloud Keychain technology, allowing users to generate and store login information. This includes not just passwords but also passkeys and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. The app will also support organizing passwords by categories, such as streaming services or social media, a feature currently absent in iCloud Keychain, which stores passwords alphabetically.
In a notable expansion, the app will be available on Windows computers and possibly Vision Pro headsets. This move could encourage more cross-platform users to adopt Apple’s password management solution, challenging Microsoft’s Credential Manager.
Users can expect the Passwords app to handle 2FA codes, similar to Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator. This feature enhances security by providing an additional layer of verification for logins. There is also speculation about potential features like dark web protection, although these remain unconfirmed.
One of the significant benefits of the standalone Passwords app is its integration with Apple’s ecosystem. It will sync across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even Windows PCs, ensuring that users have seamless access to their login information. The app will also likely leverage Face ID and Touch ID for secure authentication.
Like other password managers, the Passwords app will offer autofill for usernames and passwords and the ability to generate new passwords. Users will also be able to import passwords from other password management platforms, making the transition smoother for those switching to Apple’s ecosystem.
The introduction of Apple’s Passwords app could significantly impact third-party password managers like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane. These services have long been favored for their robust features and cross-platform compatibility. However, Apple’s native solution, integrated deeply into its ecosystem, may attract users seeking convenience and seamless functionality.
LastPass has already voiced concerns, emphasizing the importance of independence from a single vendor’s ecosystem. They argue that their platform supports a broader range of devices and operating systems, offering users more flexibility.
WWDC 2024
Apple is expected to unveil the Passwords app during the WWDC keynote on June 10th. This announcement will likely be part of a broader showcase of new features in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15, including rumored advancements in AI and a significant overhaul for Siri.
