Why I’ll still use 1Password over Apple’s new password manager

Apple recently announced that they’re adding a standalone password manager app for iCloud Keychain passwords. This is a great move, and I’m glad to see them finally making passwords a first-class citizen. It’s available in the App Store now and will be included in iOS 18 by default.

That being said, I’ll still continue to be a loyal 1Password customer for the foreseeable future. Here’s why.

It’s not just for passwords

I keep a lot more than just passwords in 1Password. Including:

• Credit card numbers
• My passport and drivers license
• API keys
• Security codes for my building

1Password also is incredibly flexible with setting up any number of custom fields for each item.

Location-aware passwords

1Password has a beta feature where you can set up location-aware passwords. For example, I added location to my passwords for my apartment so I can quickly pull up security codes for the building, or my door code at my friend’s place when I’m dogsitting for him.

Terminal integration

1Password has a CLI tool that I use all the time for work. I can reference passwords in my scripts and use them as environment variables.

Sharing

Apple’s Passwords app can only share via AirDrop at the moment, which severely limits it. 1Password has an awesome sharing workflow that generates a random url that you can send to someone. You can configure this url to only be viewable once or for a certain amount of time.

Multiple websites

Apple’s Passwords app can only configure a single website per password. 1Password can handle multiple websites. Which is great when you have, say, the same login for Disney and Hulu after the merger.