iOS 18.4: Apple Passwords gains a visual countdown timer for verification codes
iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 bring a visual countdown timer for verification codes in Apple’s built-in Passwords app.
Upon installing the updates on my iPhone, iPad and Mac, I noticed that the code generator in the built-in Apple Passwords app has received a subtle but important visual upgrade: a countdown timer that visually shows how long until the current code expires. Before iOS 18.4, there was no indication whatsoever when the code might expire.
To create an automatic verification code in the Passwords app, select the “All” section, choose a website or app, and then choose “Set Up Verification Code” under the “Security” heading. Apple will release iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4 and other related software updates in April.
Apple Passwords countdown timer for verification code
The countdown timer appears as a gray circle gradually filling with green. When the circle is completely filled with green, all current verification codes expire, and the app creates new ones and restarts the timer.
The icon appears in the top-right corner of the “Codes” section in the app. You’ll also see it on every saved password page in the app, provided you have set up two-factor authentication for the saved entry. The expiration timer appears alongside the current verification code. I wanted to show you the timer in action, but couldn’t because the Passwords app removes both the icon and the verification code from screenshots for security purposes.
On the Mac, expiration times are also displayed in the Passwords app and menu bar item. To access your passwords and verification codes at any time via the macOS menu bar, click the Passwords > Settings menu and tick the box labeled “Show Passwords in Menu Bar.”
What is Apple Passwords?
The password manager is available as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2 or higher as a dedicated app for securely managing account passwords and passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords and verification codes.
Two-factor authentication (also known as multi-factor authentication and two-step verification) strengthens the security of online accounts by requiring a one-time verification code for new logins.
These codes can be managed in password managers such as Authy, LastPass, 1Password and Apple Passwords. Verification codes are automatically created in your designated password manager, each expiring after a set period (usually 60 seconds or less). This is a much more secure delivery method than verification codes via SMS messages that can be intercepted.
Other iOS 18.4 changes
iOS 18.4 brings several other features and quality-of-life improvements. The Priority Notifications feature of Apple Intelligence groups important alerts into a Priority section at the bottom of the Lock Screen. Safari has a new option to toggle recent searches when you hit the URL field or open a new tab. There’s a new Sketch drawing style in the Image Playground app.
The Control Center gets two new widgets (Talk to Siri and Visual Intelligence). The Apple Intelligence widget can also be assigned to the Action button, the Back Tap feature and the Lock Screen shortcuts.
The App Store has a new feature that summarizes reviews, powered by large language models. Expanded carrier support for RCS messaging is available for the Messages app. And lastly, the update includes the ability to set up a Mac using a nearby iPhone. CarPlay can now show a third row of icons on vehicles equipped with a larger infotainment display. Apple has said that iOS 18.4 will mark the first release to bring Apple Intelligence to EU iPhone owners.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/03/25/ios-18-4-apple-passwords-verification-codes-timer/
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