Apple has officially introduced the iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox, over a year after its initial release for Chrome and Edge. Nonetheless, there’s a notable limitation to consider.
iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox is restricted to macOS
I was eager to discover this update and opted to install the add-on on my Windows laptop for some experimentation. However, when I attempted to access it, a notification popped up stating, “The iCloud Passwords extension is compatible with macOS Sonoma or later.” The extension’s page on the AMO also indicates that it is presently unavailable for Windows, and it does not provide support for Linux either.
The notification further elaborates that the add-on works with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Windows. It seems somewhat odd to advocate these versions alongside the Firefox extension, which appears designed to inform users of other alternatives they might contemplate.
Why is the iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox restricted to macOS Sonoma 14 and not functional on Ventura or Monterey? I suspect this limitation pertains to the new Passwords app introduced with Sonoma, which features enhanced capabilities for generating and managing passwords not available in older iterations of iCloud Keychain. For users who favor Firefox over Apple Safari on their Macs, this extension could be exceedingly advantageous.
Still, it seems likely that a larger segment of users consists of iPhone and iPad owners who also make use of a Windows PC, compared to those who possess both an iPhone/iPad and a Mac. I hope Apple will ultimately expand support for Firefox on Windows, akin to how they upgraded Apple Podcasts on the web to be compatible with Mozilla’s browser.
Interestingly, there has been no official communication from Apple regarding the Firefox add-on. Additional context: Apple has taken over the iCloud Passwords extension from its former developer, Aurélien. The GitHub repository of the previous add-on now indicates that the extension’s listing is owned by Apple Inc., and this GitHub page is no longer associated with the newer version.
But in the absence of confirmation from Apple, how can we ascertain its legitimacy? A swift check of Apple’s developer profile on the AMO reveals that iCloud Passwords is listed alongside the outdated iCloud Bookmarks extension.
Aurélien further clarified on Reddit that he willingly surrendered the rights to the extension to Apple, opting to do so without any remuneration. That’s quite an admirable choice. He also noted that Apple swapped his original code—compatible with Firefox on multiple operating systems—for their version adapted from the Chrome extension, resulting in the elimination of Windows compatibility. Aurélien reverse-engineered the add-on and conveyed disappointment upon discovering that Apple’s variation was poorly optimized and needed more permissions than were necessary.
What are your opinions on this matter? It appears rather unreasonable to undermine the previous version and entice users with a “Sonoma exclusive.” This seems to be a continuing tactic from Apple. A discussion on Mozilla Connect has witnessed users requesting iCloud Keychain support on Windows for over a year, and I can only guess at their frustration regarding this situation.
iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox on macOS Sonoma
That being said, I did manage to test the extension on my Mac. After clicking on the add-on, it prompts you to enter a verification code sent to your Apple device. While it may seem peculiar to input a code on the same device you’re accessing, this likely serves as a security protocol against unauthorized access, or remote logins.
Once logged in through the extension, it redirects you to the Passwords app, which elucidates the reasons for its unavailability on Windows, older macOS versions, or Linux. I wonder if Apple will enhance the iCloud for Windows application to support the add-on in the future.
From that point onward, it’s quite simple; just visit websites, and the extension will securely autofill your passwords from iCloud Keychain. The add-on synchronizes your data across your Apple devices, and it also permits the generation of verification codes. You can set up TOTP codes by right-clicking on QR codes displayed in Firefox, an impressive capability.
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