iOS 18’s new password manager is a big deal for privacy – here’s why
Apple’s new password app comes with a wealth of privacy benefits
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The new iOS 18 is jam-packed with quality of life and privacy upgrades, from a redesigned Photos app and advanced home screen customization to ID-authenticated app locks and control center upgrades. However, one ofthemost exciting is the new built-in Passwords app.
The app makes it easier to manage and create passwords, store and share logins, and get a heads-up if your credentials are compromised. It’s a big step up from the older and less usefuliCloudKeychain and is, simply put, a full-fledged password manager.
I’ll take a closer look atApple’s new Password app and dig into whether it has what it takes to compete with today’sbest password managers– and why password managers are a must-have.
The iOS password app
Apple’s new password manager app, called “Passwords,” is available to users who upgrade to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia, and also forApple Vision Proand Windows (through the iCloud for Windows app).
It’s good to see that it supports all major device types right out of the gate. It’s also worth noting that Apple devices have always had the ability to save login details (rememberiCloud Keychain?), but the company is now putting that (and much more) in an entirely new app.
Passwords is a security hub where users can store, create, and manage credentials. These include passwords, passkeys, verification/2FA codes, and Wi-Fi logins. There are even sections for security warnings (including check-ups for identifying weak and exposed passwords) and deleted credentials. Furthermore, a handy search bar will allow you to search for a specific login, which you can then edit or delete.
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One of the highlights of the app is the ability to create trusted groups of contacts to share specific credentials with. This could make maintaining a Netflix orYouTubePremium account between multiple individuals a breeze, and important corporate logins and passwords can be safely communicated.
Just note that folks you wish to add to a sharing group must be in your phone’s contacts list.
Other notable features include autofill, the ability to provide users with two-factor authentication codes, sync your credentials between all of your Apple devices, and sort credentials in different ways (ascending, descending, date created, date edited, website, and the like).
All in all, Apple’s new Passwords app is much better than the existing iCloud Keychain. The Keychain doesn’t have as many features and isn’t as easy to navigate – plus, it’s tucked away in the Settings menu.
Finally, it’s important to note that anyone using iCloud Keychain will be able to use the Passwords app as soon as they upgrade and authenticate with Face/Touch ID. However, at the moment, it’s not possible to import passwords from other password managers, but I hope to see this change very soon.
Securing your credentials
The Passwords app (and all user credentials inside it) is secured byend-to-end encryption, making it hugely difficult for opportunistic cybercriminals to steal your logins and passwords.
It also means that not even the government or Apple itself can check out your data.
Even better, the app can belocked and hidden(both the app’s icon and name disappear from your screen) and made solely accessible via biometric authentication: Face ID or Touch ID.
Passwords is secured by end-to-end encryption
The Passwords app comes with a dedicated ‘Security’ section that lets you know if any of your passwords are weak, reused, compromised, and/or exposed in a data breach, giving you the chance to change them before they can cause harm.
To change a password, simply select the ‘Change Password’ option, which will then redirect you to the relevant website.
Why use a password manager, anyway?
Whether you’re an Apple user with access to the new password app or not, or perhaps you do have the new Apple OS but prefer using another tool for your password management needs, here are some strong reasons why no one in today’s digital landscape should be without a password manager:
Krishi covers buying guides and how-to’s related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom’s Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.
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