Apple to launch Passwords app
On June 10, when Apple hosts the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, the company is rumoured to release a new Passwords app. The tech giant may release its password-saving and monitoring platform along with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 updates, according to the source. The native iCloud Keychain service, which syncs passwords and account information across Apple devices, is reported to power the app. Notably, the Cupertino, California-based business will also reveal a number of new artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities for a number of its services and applications.
Highlights:
- Will generate, save, and track passwords, powered by iCloud Keychain.
- Supports verification codes and organises credentials into categories.
- Aims to rival apps like 1Password, potentially allowing data integration from them.
As to a rumour by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the new app would be unveiled during the keynote session of the WWDC event. The report asserted that the Passwords app will be able to generate new passwords and save and track users' passwords, citing persons with knowledge of the programme's development.
The report suggests that the iCloud Keychain will power this feature. This service allows passwords and account information to be synchronised between Apple devices. Nevertheless, the user must attempt to enter into an account or utilise the Settings app in order to access the service. Users will probably be able to access the feature's front end and have more control over its features with the new Passwords app.
It is also said that the Passwords app would have authenticator features. It is possible to set up two-factor authentication with its support for verification codes. Furthermore, according to reports, the Passwords software groups user credentials into several categories including Wi-Fi networks, accounts, and passkeys. There might be more, but for now we don't know anything about them.
With this action, Apple may be trying to establish its own password management platform. Currently, password management features are available through third-party apps like Proton Pass, LastPass, and 1Password. To ease the transition, the tech giant reportedly considered allowing users to integrate their login data from other apps into its Passwords app.
To entice users away from third-party apps, Apple will need to provide a feature-rich app. As an example, 1Password provides file storage, vault and tag organisation, password sharing, and extra field support. The entire feature set of the Passwords app is unknown at this time. These won't be made public until Apple formally releases the app.