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For years, Apple offered its built-in Keychain password management tool tucked away in the Settings app, allowing users to automatically generate and save passwords—but quickly managing specific logins could often feel tedious. With iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple introduced the standalone Passwords app in an effort to make credential management more convenient. Still, many are skeptical about whether the new app has enough features to compete with paid password managers—or if that’s even Apple’s goal.
If there’s one thing Apple consistently prioritizes, it’s user privacy—and by extension, the security of the services and products developed at Apple Park. This is why it came as a surprise after 9to5Mac learned last week that a serious HTTP bug left Passwords users vulnerable to phishing attacks for nearly three months—from the initial release of iOS 18 until it was patched in iOS 18.2. While this was quietly patched in December last year, it’s enough to give people pause about the service.
So, what does Passwords offer users?
Weighing the costs and benefits
When you open Passwords for the first time, you’ll find the layout is actually very similar to the Reminders app–with two rows of categories: All, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security, and Deleted. It’s very simple and easy to navigate.
The app allows users to view saved credentials, manage passkeys, create rotating verification codes, review saved Wi-Fi logins, and receive alerts about passwords that have recently been compromised in data leaks. With the addition of Family Passwords sharing, the app is a handy hodgepodge of features that previously existed elsewhere now in a single place, accessible from any signed-in Apple device.
But there are some drawbacks.
Similar to a password manager like 1Password for example, stored credentials in the Passwords app can be accessed from any signed-in Apple device. You can even access your stored passwords on Windows via the iCloud for Windows app. However, there is no browser or Android support. The Passwords app is exclusive to Apple devices with the exception of the iCloud Windows app. This can be an inconvenience if you use Android and Mac or a combination of mixed-platform devices.
Moreover, if you use a paid service like 1Password, you know it provides features beyond basic password storage, including secure notes, document storage, cross-browser integration, two-factor authentication, etc. These are not offered in Apple’s free Passwords app.
Wrap-up
In conclusion, the Passwords app is still in its infancy. You can tell Apple didn’t put a ton of energy behind it. Its basic, easy-to-use layout is clearly targeted at people who have never used a password manager before—and that’s okay! I actually appreciate that Apple stuck to the basics; while none of the features are particularly new, they’re now conveniently accessible in one app.
If you’re already using a service like 1Password and find it effective, I don’t see a compelling reason to switch to Passwords, despite being free. You’ll find the app lacks a few crucial features like the ability to generate passwords of custom length with special characters, custom fields, password history, and browser support. That said, it’s still an appealing product for newcomers who might prefer a more seamless solution with zero setup.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and preferences.
I’ve been a 1Password subscriber for nearly a decade now. I often say it’s the best $3.99 I spend each month. Nonetheless, I’m excited to see where the app goes.
About Security Bite: Security Bite is a weekly security-focused column on 9to5Mac. Every week, Arin Waichulis delivers insights on data privacy, uncovers vulnerabilities, or sheds light on emerging threats within Apple’s vast ecosystem of over 2 billion active devices to help you still safe.
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