iOS 26 Updates Prompt Users to Switch to Apple Passwords
Recent updates to Apple’s iOS 26 operating system have added features that are leading users to adopt the built-in Passwords app as their primary password management solution, potentially impacting the market share of third-party password managers.
Previously, users reliant on Apple’s iCloud Keychain and the dedicated Passwords app – first introduced in iOS 18 – often supplemented it with other services due to limitations in features like credit card storage and version history. However, iOS 26 now allows users to manually input and access full credit card details through the Wallet app, with a new “Credit Card” option integrated into the systemwide AutoFill menu. This eliminates the need to open separate apps for credit card information during online transactions.
Furthermore, the Passwords app itself now includes version history for all saved logins, addressing a previous issue where updates could overwrite correct credentials. This feature provides a safety net for users, allowing them to revert to previous versions if needed. For those concerned about online security, understanding password security best practices is crucial.
The combination of these improvements has enabled a seamless transition for many users, removing the need for third-party password managers. Apple continues to refine its ecosystem, aiming to provide a more integrated and secure experience for its customers. You can learn more about using the Passwords app on Apple’s support website.
Apple officials have indicated they will continue to monitor user feedback and iterate on the Passwords app to further enhance its functionality and security.
iOS 26 is packed with big and small changes, only a fraction of which most users have likely discovered. Three of those changes have enabled me to make Apple’s Passwords app my one and only password manager.
Three iOS 26 features have enabled me to use Apple Passwords full-time
Last year when Apple Passwords first debuted in iOS 18, I was instantly a fan of the app.
I had long used Apple’s built-in iCloud Keychain feature for generating and saving logins across my devices, and the dedicated Passwords app only improved that experience.
But despite most of my password management happening in Apple Passwords, until recently I still used 1Password for a few select features.
Apple’s lack of support for credit cards inside Passwords was a big drawback. And I struggled at times with the lack of version history inside the Passwords app too.
But iOS 26 has brought several changes that make Apple Passwords all I need.
First, the Wallet app now lets you manually input full details for saved credit cards.
Before, most credit cards in Wallet would only show you the last four digits. So whenever I needed credit card info, I had to open 1Password.
Additionally, iOS 26 expands the systemwide AutoFill menu to now offer a Credit Card option.
This has been a huge upgrade for me, since I can now access credit cards with ease no matter which app I’m using. So the vast majority of the time, I don’t even need to open Wallet.
Finally, the Passwords app itself now offers version history for all logins.
In iOS 18, there were a number of occasions when Apple Passwords somehow overwrote a saved login before that revision was actually confirmed on a website. Thus, I had to go back to 1Password to get the correct details.
Thanks to iOS 26’s improvements for credit cards and the availability of version history in Apple Passwords, I haven’t needed to open 1Password at all since upgrading.
Are you still using a third-party password manager, and if so, what is Apple Passwords missing in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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