Competitor enters password manager sector, focusing on a market with high concentration of interest
Apple has made a significant move in the realm of password management by introducing the Passwords app during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. This new offering extends Apple's credential management across its operating systems.
The Passwords app, available as a developer beta, synchronizes login credentials, passwords, verification codes, and passkeys with end-to-end encryption in iCloud, making it accessible across devices. The functionality of Keychain, Apple's password-management system first released in 1999, has been moved to a more readily available and visible repository on Apple devices with the introduction of Passwords.
This development puts pressure on third-party password managers such as 1Password, LastPass, and Bitwarden, as the Passwords app offers strong integration and native convenience on Apple devices. However, it's important to note that third-party managers still provide advanced security features and cross-platform versatility that the new app currently lacks.
Security
Apple Passwords uses built-in device encryption and iCloud Keychain syncing, benefiting from Apple's secure ecosystem and strong privacy policies. While it does not yet offer advanced features like travel mode, temporary sharing links with expiration, or public third-party security audits, it does provide a robust foundation for security.
On the other hand, password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden stand out for their advanced security controls. 1Password, for instance, offers travel mode, a feature that temporarily removes sensitive data, and boasts a very clean security history, inspiring high trust. Bitwarden is noted as a very robust open-source solution with solid security mechanisms.
User Experience
Apple Passwords is likely the most seamless option for Apple ecosystem users, offering smooth autofill and native integration on iOS and macOS without additional subscriptions or installations. While 1Password is praised for its polished, user-friendly interface and excellent autofill integration across multiple browsers and platforms, it may occasionally encounter glitches on certain devices. LastPass was appreciated for low-friction autofill on phones but has seen some usability declines lately.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Third-party managers like 1Password, LastPass, and Bitwarden support multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) and browsers, making them versatile for use beyond just Apple devices. In contrast, Apple Passwords is designed primarily for the Apple ecosystem, which may limit its usability on non-Apple platforms.
In summary, while the new Apple Passwords app offers strong integration and native convenience for Apple users, it does not yet match the advanced security features, trusted histories, and cross-platform capabilities of top third-party password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden. Users needing advanced security controls or multi-platform support might still prefer third-party solutions, while those fully embedded in Apple’s environment may find the new app sufficiently secure and convenient for everyday use.
The Passwords app will be broadly available to Apple's massive customer base when iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 are released in the fall. Until then, the app is available as a developer beta.
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[4] LastPass Data Breach. (2022). Have I Been Pwned. Retrieved from https://haveibeenpwned.com/PwnedWeb/LastPass
The Passwords app, with its end-to-end encryption and iCloud Keychain syncing, showcases Apple's commitment to cybersecurity and technology, as it delivers a secure password management solution within its ecosystem. Despite this, the advanced security features and versatility of third-party password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden position them as competitive options, particularly for users who require cross-platform compatibility.
