Passwords app is available for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
We often rely on third-party apps for storing and accessing our login credentials, including passwords, two-factor authentication keys, and passkeys. However, many of these convenient services require a recurring subscription fee. At the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple introduced a new Passwords app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, which simplifies storing and accessing digital passwords—and it’s free.
Passwords is a free-to-use app
The app is protected using Face ID or Touch ID by default. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The Passwords app is Apple’s latest first-party, free-to-use app, included with the iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia updates. The app allows users to store and access passwords across Apple’s ecosystem of devices and syncs across iPhones, iPads, and Macs for easier access and are stored on iCloud. Windows users can also access credentials from the Passwords app via the iCloud for Windows app.
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Apple says the Passwords app is backed by end-to-end encryption technology, ensuring that even Apple cannot access the data stored within the app. Built on top of the iCloud Keychain, passwords previously saved there will automatically migrate to the Passwords app.
How to download the Passwords app?
Now, the Passwords app is available only for those who have installed the beta version of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. The app will be rolled out to the general public with the stable versions of these OSes, which is expected to happen in September, right after the launch of the iPhone 16 series.
Prominent features of the Passwords app
The app can also store Passkeys and 2FA authentication codes. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
If you use many digital services and have extensively invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Passwords app will be invaluable. Unlike most password manager apps, Apple’s Passwords app is subscription-free. Besides storing regular login credentials, it also functions as a two-factor authenticator app like Authy and can store Passkeys, enabling quick logins using biometric authentication.
The Passwords app is protected by default with Face ID or Touch ID, depending on your device, and can also store your Wi-Fi network passwords. It will automatically save the passwords of every Wi-Fi network logged into on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Additionally, if you delete passwords by mistake, the app has a recycle bin-like feature that retains deleted passwords for up to 30 days.
The Password app can also warn about compromised credentials
Worried about a compromised password? The Passwords app can help. It automatically identifies and recommends updating weak or compromised passwords, providing reasons why you should change them for specific services. This proactive feature ensures your accounts remain secure and up-to-date.
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You can also share your password with friends and family
The app also allows users to share saved credentials with others (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The Passwords app also lets users share passwords and passkeys with trusted people by creating groups and granting access to specific data. Only the group admin can add or remove members, making it ideal for families sharing passwords for OTT or music subscriptions.
For now, the Passwords app feels like a very compelling and necessary service for every digital nomad. Unlike some free apps, it has no restrictions on the number of devices and features an easy-to-understand, simple UI.
Technology on smartphone reviews, in-depth reports on privacy and security, AI, and more. We aim to simplify the most complex developments and make them succinct and accessible for tech enthusiasts and all readers. Stay updated with our daily news stories, monthly gadget roundups, and special reports and features that explore the vast possibilities of AI, consumer tech, quantum computing, etc.on smartphone reviews, in-depth reports on privacy and security, AI, and more. We aim to simplify the most complex developments and make them succinct and accessible for tech enthusiasts and all readers. Stay updated with our daily news stories, monthly gadget roundups, and special reports and features that explore the vast possibilities of AI, consumer tech, quantum computing, etc.
