Apple is apparently planning a password manager for iOS 18 and macOS 15
So far, passwords can be saved by the operating system (and in the cloud) under iOS and macOS, but this is only possible via the system settings.
Apple passwords: This is the current situation under iOS.
(Image: Apple)
Apple is planning a useful new app for its new operating systems macOS 15 and iOS 18 – and possibly also iPadOS 15 – to be unveiled on Monday. As the financial news agency Bloomberg writes, the company is outsourcing its password function from the system settings to a separate application, thereby competing directly with "real" password managers such as LastPass or 1Password.
Password manager already available
Apple's operating systems have been offering password management and storage for many years. Recently, more and more functions have been added, including the storage of passkeys. To manage them, however, you have to go into the system settings, which many users are reluctant to do. Providers such as LastPass or 1Password therefore still have a large market share. Apple now seems to want to get its hands on them. According to Bloomberg, an application with the simple title Apple Passwords is planned.
In the background, this uses Apple's in-house password service, iCloud Keychain, which synchronizes passwords and passkeys across devices. This has also been around for a long time. By converting the function into its own app, Apple is trying to get more people to use secure passwords and strengthen privacy protection on its devices, writes Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. "But the move also intensifies competition with third-party software."
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Import function planned
A new feature is the ability to import passwords from competing services – something 1Password and co. are unlikely to like. In addition to passwords and passkeys, the app can also store Wi-Fi access and other sensitive data. As is already the case, passwords and passkeys can be inserted directly into websites and apps – and, of course, they can also be collected directly in the app.
An authenticator function that generates one-time codes (OTP) is also integrated. This is also already possible via the system settings, but is well hidden. According to Bloomberg, the passwords can also be used on the Vision Pro and on Windows computers – whether with a separate app or not is still unclear.
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