Apple has officially launched the iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox, more than a year after it was first made available for Chrome and Edge. However, there is a significant restriction to note.
iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox is exclusively for macOS
I was excited to learn about this update and decided to install the add-on on my Windows laptop for a trial. However, when I tried to access it, a message appeared stating, “The iCloud Passwords extension is compatible with macOS Sonoma or later.” The extension’s webpage on the AMO also specifies that it is currently unavailable for Windows, and it does not extend support to Linux either.
The pop-up further clarifies that the add-on is compatible with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Windows. It appears somewhat peculiar to promote these versions alongside the Firefox extension, which seems intended to inform users of alternative options they might consider.
Why is the iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox limited to macOS Sonoma 14 and inaccessible on Ventura or Monterey? I suspect this limitation relates to the new Passwords app introduced with Sonoma, which offers superior features for generating and managing passwords not present in older versions of iCloud Keychain. For users who prefer Firefox over Apple Safari on their Macs, this extension could prove extremely beneficial.
Nonetheless, it seems probable that a larger demographic of users consists of iPhone and iPad owners who also utilize a Windows PC, compared to those who have both an iPhone/iPad and a Mac. I hope Apple will eventually extend support for Firefox on Windows, similar to how they updated Apple Podcasts on the web to function with Mozilla’s browser.
Interestingly, there has been no formal announcement from Apple regarding the Firefox add-on. Additional context: Apple has acquired the iCloud Passwords extension from its previous developer, Aurélien. The GitHub repository of the former add-on now shows that the extension’s listing is owned by Apple Inc., and this GitHub page is no longer associated with the new version.
But without confirmation from Apple, how can we verify its authenticity? A quick scan of Apple’s developer account page on the AMO reveals that iCloud Passwords is listed alongside the old iCloud Bookmarks extension.
Aurélien further explained on Reddit that he voluntarily relinquished the rights to the extension to Apple, choosing to do so without any compensation. That’s quite an admirable choice. He also mentioned that Apple replaced his original code—compatible with Firefox on multiple platforms—with their version adapted from the Chrome extension, resulting in the loss of Windows compatibility. Aurélien reverse-engineered the add-on and expressed disappointment in finding that Apple’s version was poorly optimized and required more permissions than necessary.
What are your thoughts on this? It seems rather illogical to undermine the previous version and attract users with a “Sonoma exclusive.” This appears to be an ongoing strategy from Apple. A thread on Mozilla Connect has seen users requesting iCloud Keychain support on Windows for over a year, and I can only imagine their frustration over this situation.
iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox on macOS Sonoma
That said, I did manage to try 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 might seem strange to enter a code on the same device you’re using, this likely acts as a security measure against unauthorized access, or remote logins.
Once you’ve logged in through the extension, it directs you to the Passwords app, which clarifies the reasons for its unavailability on Windows, older macOS versions, or Linux. I wonder if Apple will update the iCloud for Windows app to support the add-on in the future.
From that point, it’s fairly straightforward; simply visit websites, and the extension will securely autofill your passwords from iCloud Keychain. The add-on syncs your information across your Apple devices, and it also allows for the generation of verification codes. You can set up TOTP codes by right-clicking on QR codes displayed in Firefox, an impressive feature.
Image Source: Jirapong Manustrong / Shutterstock
