Apple has introduced a new app called Apple Passwords as part of iOS 18 and macOS 15. This app is a dedicated password manager that replaces the older iCloud Keychain settings. Apple Passwords helps users keep all their login information in one place. It also lets users create and manage secure passkeys and other credentials using a simple interface that looks like other Apple apps. This makes it easy for anyone to find and use passwords at any time.
Setting Up Apple Passwords
To use Apple Passwords, a user must have a device running iOS 18 or later for iPhone, iPadOS 18 or later for iPad, macOS 15 or later for Mac, and visionOS 2 or later for Vision Pro. An active Apple ID is also required so credentials can sync across all devices. Users should open Settings on their iPhone or iPad, then tap their name at the top and select iCloud. Next, they should turn on iCloud Keychain. This step ensures all existing passwords and passkeys appear in Apple Passwords when the app opens for the first time.
Features of Apple Passwords
Apple Passwords brings several features into one app. It stores website and app passwords passkeys Wi Fi network credentials and security codes all in one place. Each entry is protected by end to end encryption so only the account holder can see the information. Biometric authentication with Face ID or Touch ID adds an extra layer of safety ensuring only the owner can unlock the app.
Another feature is real time breach alerts. If any website or service a user has saved information for has a security issue Apple Passwords will warn the user. This helps them change weak or compromised passwords quickly. The app also highlights reused or weak passwords so users can strengthen their accounts where needed.
The autofill function works across apps and websites. When a user reaches a login screen, Apple Passwords will suggest credentials automatically. This makes signing in much faster and reduces typing errors. Users can also share password groups with family members or teammates. This keeps teams in sync without sending sensitive data in insecure ways.
Apple Passwords also supports passkeys. Passkeys are a passwordless login method that uses public key technology to replace traditional passwords. With a passkey, a user simply confirms their identity with Face ID or Touch ID. This makes logins more secure and less prone to phishing attacks.
How to Manage Passkeys in Apple Passwords
When a user finds a website or app that supports passkeys, they can create one during sign-up or login. Apple Passwords saves that passkey and syncs it via iCloud Keychain so it is available on all Apple devices linked to the same Apple ID. To see the list of saved passkeys a user opens the Apple Passwords app, then taps the Passkeys tab. A list appears showing each passkey linked to a site or app. By tapping an entr,y the user can view more details or share the passkey.
To share a passkey the user taps Edit then taps the Share button. An AirDrop window appears letting the user send the passkey securely to another Apple device. If the user wants to delete a passkey the user taps Edit again and then taps Delete. This action removes the passkey from Apple Passwords on every device.
Importing and Exporting Credentials
Importing and exporting data is a key feature for users switching password managers or creating backups. To import passwords, users first need a CSV file from another app or service. Many password managers can export saved passwords into a CSV format. After they have this file, the user opens Apple Passwords on their device, then taps the menu bar at the top if on a Mac or opens the Settings menu if on iPhone or iPad. Next, the user chooses Import Passwords. A file chooser appears. The user selects the CSV file and taps Import. Apple Passwords reads the CSV and adds each entry to the app.
To export all saved passwords a user opens Apple Passwords then taps the menu or Settings and chooses Export All Passwords. A confirmation prompt appears reminding the user that the exported file is not encrypted. If the user proceeds they pick a location to save the file. The resulting file is a CSV that can be moved to another password manager or stored in a secure place as a backup.
Using Apple Passwords on Windows
Apple continues to expand its ecosystem by making Apple Passwords available on Windows. iCloud for Windows should be downloaded by users first from the Microsoft Store or from the Apple website. Once iCloud for Windows is installed and accessed, users use the very same Apple ID they have on their other devices. An option appears to Enable Passwords. The user turns this on, then clicks Install Extension for Google Chrome. This action opens the Chrome Web Store and prompts the user to add the iCloud Passwords extension. Once the extension is added, the user returns to the iCloud app and clicks Sync Passwords, then taps Finish Setup.
With the extension installed, the user can now autofill stored credentials on websites in Chrome. Each time the user navigates to a login page, they can click the key icon in the Chrome toolbar and choose from saved passwords in Apple Passwords. Passkeys are not yet supported through the Windows extension so users must still use passwords for those sites.
Sharing and Organizing Credentials
Apple Passwords allows users to create Shared Password Groups. A user opens the app then taps the Shared tab. The user taps New Shared Group and gives it a name. Next they add family members or team members by entering their Apple IDs. Once a group is created any password or passkey the user moves into that group is accessible to everyone in it. This simplifies sharing login information for streaming services or work accounts.
Users can also organize credentials by adding tags and notes. When viewing a saved password or passkey the user can tap Edit and add a note such as renewal date or account number. Tags help sort entries. A user might tag work accounts separately from personal accounts. This makes it easier to find what they need when browsing the app.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Beyond iPhone and Mac, Apple Passwords works on iPad and Vision Pro. On iPad, users open the same app to see their passwords, passkeys, and notes. On Vision Pro, the user’s credentials appear in a floating window that can be placed anywhere in the space. This helps those who use multiple devices keep credentials at their fingertips.
On Apple TV, credentials do not sync directly, but users can autofill through other Apple devices when logging into apps. This ensures that every device in the user’s ecosystem stays connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Apple Passwords different from iCloud Keychain?
Apple Passwords provides a dedicated app with a clear interface. All credentials appear in one place. In contrast iCloud Keychain was buried in Settings. Apple Passwords also adds breach alerts and passkey management features in a single spot.
Is my data safe in Apple Passwords?
All data is end-to-end encrypted in iCloud Keychain. Only the owner can view credentials. Biometric checks, such as Face ID and Touch ID, protect access. Even if someone has your device, they cannot see passwords without permission.
Can I share passwords with my family?
Yes. Apple Passwords lets users create Shared Password Groups. This feature allows family members to share login information for streaming or other services. Each member signs in with their Apple ID to access the shared passwords.
Will passkeys work on Windows?
Not yet. The iCloud Passwords Chrome extension on Windows only supports passwords. Passkey support remains exclusive to Apple devices at this time.
How do I update a password?
Open Apple Passwords and find the entry to update. Tap or click Edit then type the new password. Tap or click Save. iCloud Keychain syncs the change to all connected devices.
Protecting Your Accounts with Apple Passwords
Apple Passwords is a major step toward making online security simple. By keeping all credentials and passkeys in one app, users no longer have to remember dozens of logins. The import feature helps new users move smoothly from other services. Exporting offers a way to back up data in case the user needs it.
Real time breach alerts let users act quickly if a website they use has a security issue. Password health checks help identify weak or reused passwords. This ensures users can update them before trouble strikes. As passkeys gain popularity Apple Passwords stands ready to manage them with ease. Users can continue to rely on traditional passwords while preparing for a future where passkeys become the norm.
