Apple made several big announcements at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC24) last week, including a preview of its upcoming Intelligence offering. Here at LastPass, our ears perked up at Apple’s introduction to its new Passwords app, which users can run on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products.
In a world that still depends on passwords for online security, it’s great to hear Apple remind the world that password managers protect us from many threats.
The Apple Passwords app might be a convenient option for some Apple users. However, we believe that LastPass provides a more versatile and secure solution – for consumers, businesses, and any user that requires secure password access across a range of devices and platforms.
Apple Passwords vs. LastPass
What sets LastPass apart? Here are several features that we believe make LastPass a superior password management solution
- Cross-device compatibility: Most of our users access their online accounts and apps using multiple devices. LastPass supports all operating systems and devices, unlike Apple's password manager, which is available to users of Apple devices and some Windows users through the use of Apple’s iCloud app for Windows. Apple will not support users in the Google Chrome and Android realms.
- Business focus: LastPass is designed with both individual users and businesses in mind, providing features like policy setting and reporting that cater to professional needs, whereas Apple's password manager is only targeted toward individual users.
- Advanced security features: LastPass offers features that go beyond mere password protection, such as a security dashboard, Shadow IT monitoring and integrations, which provide users with a more comprehensive identity security solution.
- Dark web monitoring: LastPass includes dark web monitoring services, alerting users if their credentials have been compromised. Apple’s Password application does not currently offer this feature.
- Recovery options: LastPass provides robust recovery options in case of issues like SIM swapping, ensuring users can regain access to their accounts. Apple Passwords lacks comprehensive recovery mechanisms for such scenarios.
- No lock-in: LastPass users are not locked into a single ecosystem, providing flexibility and convenience for those individuals and businesses using multiple platforms and devices.
What are industry analysts saying about the Apple passwords app?
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s a reaction to Apple’s announcement from Ken Buckler, Research Director with Enterprise Management Associates:
“While the industry is trying to shift away from passwords, the unfortunate reality is that passwords aren’t going away any time soon. As long as we still have passwords, the problem of phishing, weak passwords and password re-use for multiple accounts will continue to be a driving factor in compromising account security.
The safe utilization of password managers allows unique, strong passwords, and provides critical basic protection for everyday users. However, these password managers must be portable across all platforms and operating systems for them to be effective and useful, and hopefully Apple will release a version compatible with Android and ChromeOS.”
Several analysts have remarked on the shortcomings of the Passwords app. First, many users prefer a defense-in-depth approach rather than entrusting all security aspects to Apple. Existing password managers already integrate well with Apple's ecosystem, allowing seamless use without needing the new app.
The trend towards hybrid systems – including cloud, OS, and phone setups – makes Apple's solution less appealing to users with diverse technology environments, particularly those using Android or Google Chrome. Additionally, some users prefer security measures that involve physical challenges or delays, which are not as easily implemented with Apple's device-centric solution.
The preference for non-integrated password managers remains strong due to the critical nature of identity security, and analysts predict significant resistance and friction in getting users – especially businesses -- to switch to Apple's new app.
Password manager users want independence.
Our business customers tell us that they want to avoid any device or operating system lock-ins, regardless of features. Today’s workplace dynamics of remote work, the gig economy and “bring your own device” mean that Apple’s product likely won’t meet their needs.
LastPass is committed to providing our customers and partners with a password and identity management solution that supports their choices—not someone else's. We believe independence matters – independence to access any application or website, through any mobile device, any OS and any browser. We will always be focused on how we can support our customers' choices, wherever and however they decide to live their digital lives.
