Apple unveils 'Passwords' manager app at WWDC 2024

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall reaction to Apple Passwords

  • Seen largely as a new UI over iCloud Keychain, not a brand‑new backend.
  • Many welcome a first‑class app instead of “hidden” settings panes and the old, technical Keychain Access.
  • Some view this as overdue: password management “should be an OS feature,” especially for non‑technical users and families.

Competition with existing password managers

  • Many expect Apple’s move to hurt consumer‑oriented managers (especially LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden) on Apple platforms.
  • 1Password in particular is criticized: Electron rewrite, perceived UX regressions, bugs, subscription pivot, removal of local vaults; some long‑time users are planning to jump ship.
  • Bitwarden, KeePassXC, pass, Enpass, and others are frequently cited as strong cross‑platform or self‑hostable alternatives that Apple won’t replace.
  • Several note that SSH key management, rich item types, and team/corporate workflows keep 1Password/Bitwarden relevant for power users and enterprises.

Platform lock‑in & cross‑platform gaps

  • Biggest objection: no Linux or Android support; Windows support relies on iCloud for Windows and a browser extension, with mixed expectations about quality.
  • Many explicitly avoid Apple’s (and Google’s) managers to keep switching costs low and avoid “all eggs in one basket.”
  • Others argue that most mainstream users are already fully in the Apple ecosystem, making this “good enough” and very attractive.

Security, privacy, and trust

  • iCloud Keychain / Passwords is said to be end‑to‑end encrypted, but some distrust putting critical secrets under a single Apple ID.
  • Concerns include: SIM‑swap attacks on Apple IDs, account bans or corruption, and difficulty exporting from iOS/iCloud without a Mac.
  • Some prefer open‑source clients and self‑hosted vaults for auditability and independence.
  • Others counter that Apple’s long‑running Keychain, passkey support, and device‑tied auth are exactly why they trust Apple more than smaller vendors.

Features & UX details

  • Desired or praised features: TOTP/OTP support (already in iOS), password sharing/family groups, passkey handling, Windows client, tighter browser integration, better discoverability.
  • Missing or weaker areas vs third parties: secure notes and files, SSH keys, custom item types, multi-domain logins, strong Firefox/Linux integration.
  • Some fear Apple will not prioritize non‑Apple platforms, as with past Windows ports and Safari.