Passkeys Were Secure—but Not Practical Enough
Passkeys promise a safer, simpler future than traditional passwords, using device-based authentication like face or fingerprint unlock instead of memorized strings. They are resistant to phishing, since your password manager will not let you authorize a passkey on a fake lookalike site, and they eliminate the chore of inventing and remembering complex passwords. Yet many users hesitated to fully embrace passwordless authentication because of one major flaw: passkeys were effectively stuck in the app that created them. Unlike passwords, which can be exported and imported across managers, passkeys initially offered no easy way to move between services. That meant anyone investing in passkeys risked being locked into a single vendor, with their most secure login method tied to one ecosystem. This practical limitation undercut the otherwise compelling security story and slowed the broader shift away from traditional passwords.
Apple Passwords App Introduces Passkey Portability
Apple has now removed that roadblock by letting users move passkeys between applications directly from the Apple Passwords app. Building on new specifications from the FIDO Alliance, Apple implemented an import/export flow that works between compatible password managers. On an Apple device, you can install a new password manager, open Passwords, tap the three-dot menu on the home screen, and choose Export Data to Another App. From there, you select the login items you want—especially those with passkeys—and continue to an Export Passwords screen, which lists apps that support the transfer. Selecting a destination such as 1Password sends your chosen passwords and passkeys over in one seamless operation. This workflow makes moving to or from Apple Passwords far less intimidating, because your strongest credentials are no longer locked within a single app.
Why Moving Passkeys Between Apps Really Matters
Passkey portability is more than a convenience feature; it removes a critical adoption barrier. Many security-conscious users avoided passkeys precisely because they could not move passkeys between apps if they later switched password managers. Now, the ability to export from the Apple Passwords app into other tools means users can try passkeys without committing forever to one platform. This directly addresses vendor lock-in fears that undermined trust in passwordless authentication. Knowing you can take your passkeys with you encourages experimentation and gradual migration: you can start with a few accounts, evaluate the experience, and switch tools later without losing access. As more major password managers support the same FIDO specifications, passkeys begin to resemble traditional passwords in one important way—portability—while still delivering stronger protection against phishing and credential theft.
A Stronger Push Toward a Passwordless Future
By shipping passkey import/export early and integrating it deeply into the Apple Passwords app, Apple is signaling a firm commitment to practical passwordless authentication. The app is becoming a more capable hub for digital security, not only storing passwords but also handling passkeys, verification codes, shared credentials, and even Wi‑Fi access via QR codes. These enhancements make it easier for everyday users to centralize their logins and experience the benefits of modern authentication without juggling multiple tools. More importantly, portability ensures that choosing Apple Passwords is not a one-way door. When users know they can leave later, they are more likely to join now. That dynamic is essential for industry-wide change: as passkeys become both secure and flexible, the long-promised move away from traditional passwords finally looks achievable at scale.