Guide to Using Apple's New Password App on iOS and macOS.
Discover the new and useful Apple Passwords app.
The recent arrival of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia has introduced a series of new features, among which stands out a new application called Passwords. This Apple password manager is available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, and also for Windows PCs. Its main function is to replace the previous method of saving and syncing passwords that was offered through Safari and iCloud Keychain.
Before the updates, stored passwords for applications and websites were located in different places, depending on how they were synced. Recently, they could be found in the iOS settings and in the macOS system settings, but now they are centralized in a specific application that offers more functionalities than just storage.
The new Passwords app is user-friendly and quite comprehensive; however, it may not be enough to replace a third-party password manager, as it does not include the built-in capability to save documents, IDs, credit cards, and other information that certain external managers offer. Nevertheless, it is a very effective option for those who frequently use Apple devices.
Upon opening the Passwords application, it should automatically gather all previously stored passwords from different locations during the update to iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Identity verification will be required, either by password or using facial recognition. The interface is similar on both platforms, with some adaptations for different screen sizes. In addition to passwords, it includes verification codes, access keys, and Wi-Fi passwords, which are now more accessible.
By clicking on any entry, users can see all the stored information and select "Edit" to make changes. Although users cannot add tags or create private groups for passwords, there is an option to add notes and search text within those notes. For instance, users can add the word "important" to the passwords they use most frequently.
Users will receive alerts if any password has been used more than once or if it has been exposed in a data breach. To verify these alerts, one must access the Security section on the main page. If a compromised password is identified, a red message will appear indicating the issue. Passwords can also be sorted by creation date, modification date, or by the name of the website or application they belong to.
Moreover, when logging into apps or Safari, the Passwords app will make suggestions to autofill login credentials, provided that the autofill feature is enabled. Users will also receive suggestions to save new passwords in the future when logging into apps or websites.
Another interesting feature allows users to share passwords with trusted contacts via AirDrop. To do this, the desired password is selected and the share button is used. Additionally, a group of people can be created to share passwords collectively, although this option should only be used with highly trusted individuals.
Finally, it is evident that while the Passwords application offers a number of advantages and functionalities, users who require greater flexibility and management capabilities may consider using third-party password managers, especially if they share passwords with people who do not have Apple devices.
