Apple’s Built-in Password Manager Will Gain These New Features in iOS 14

Apple may be improving iCloud Keychain in iOS 14 with support for two-factor authentication, password analysis, and more. These new features were spotted in a leaked version of iOS 14 obtained by 9to5Mac.

New Two-Factor Authentication

Apple’s iCloud Keychain is useful for storing passwords and credit card numbers, but the service is lacking when compared to third-party password managers such as 1Password or LastPass.

To become more competitive, iCloud keychain may gain support for two-factor authentication. This allows the user to login to a website or service that requires two-factor authentication.

In these instances, iCloud keychain could serve as a more secure authentication method than the existing SMS or email methods. The details of how this two-factor authentication would work are not known.

Improved Password Security

Another new feature would detect passwords used on multiple sites. When iCloud keychain detects a re-used password, it would prompt you to change it on all existing sites.

Using a unique password for each login is a vital security measure to avoid being hacked. If a security breach exposes your password on one service, you don’t want someone with that stolen password to login to your email, bank account, or anywhere else that leaked password was used.

iCloud Keychain Benefits

Apple’s iCloud keychain is an attractive alternative to LastPass and 1Password, both of which require a subscription to access more than just the basic features. Apple’s iCloud keychain has a leg up on the competition because it is bundled for free into iOS and macOS. The same keychain also can be shared across multiple devices, allowing a person to seamlessly access their passwords on their Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Announcement Coming Soon

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 14 soon at WWDC 2020. Held each June, WWDC is the company’s annual developer conference. Because of the coronavirus epidemic, the conference, this year, is being held online. Besides iOS 14, Apple also may announce watchOS 7, tvOS 14, and macOS 10.16.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]