iOS 18, iPadOS 18, visionOS 2, and macOS Sequoia come with a new Passwords app, making managing passwords across Apple devices easier than ever.
In previous versions of iOS and iPadOS, password management was part of the Settings app. On a Mac you could find the login details in system settings, but also hidden in the settings for Safari and the keychain app was also used. All this functionality is now housed in the new Passwords app.
The new Passwords app
If you already used the password functions in the previous versions of iOS, iPadOS or macOS, then little will change. The app has almost the same functionality and looks a lot like the Reminders app in terms of interface. From the application you have access to all login details and passwords that you have saved in your (iCloud) keychain.
Apple has deliberately made the new app simple and accessible. By placing the app on the home screen by default, users who have not yet used password management will also be encouraged to start using it.
Clearer overview
The data in the Passwords app is better organized and is divided into: All, Passkeys, Codes, Wifi, Security and Deleted. There’s also a section for family passwords if you use it with iCloud Family Sharing. The useful thing about the new app is that all information is available within one and the same app on all platforms.
Consult passwords
The saved passwords can be found under ‘All’. You can also use the search function to directly consult the login details of a specific website or app. Within the app it is also possible to recover recently deleted (within 30 days) passwords, go to the ‘Deleted’ category.
Want to consult the login details of wifi networks? Then you can open the ‘Wifi’ category. This way you can also quickly share the password of a network via QR code.
Authentication codes
To optimally secure your account, it is best to use two-factor authentication. Via the ‘Codes’ section you can consult all your generated two-step verification codes, which are automatically refreshed every 15 seconds. If you use Passkeys, you will find them in a separate category.
Security advice
Under ‘Security’ you will find all your passwords that need attention. For example, if an email address and password combination has been stolen in a hack, you can find it here.
Shared password groups
Within the app you also have the option to create a new shared group with passwords. Enter a group name and then you can add password and invite other users to join this group. Useful for accounts and associated passwords that are shared by different people within a family.
Available on all platforms
If you want to use a Password app, you should be able to use it across all your devices. Apple has done a great job with this new app. Not only is the app available for iOS 18, but it’s also available for iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2. You can even access your saved passwords on Windows using the iCloud app for Windows.
The new Passwords app makes paid-for third-party apps like 1Password and LastPass obsolete for Apple users. The functionality offered by these password managers is now standard functionality on all Apple platforms. All password information is stored securely and encrypted within your own iCloud account.