Apple announced the official iCloud Passwords add-on, which makes it possible to use passwords stored in iCloud through the Firefox browser. However, this extension only works on macOS Sonoma and above operating systems. Windows users are excluded from this feature.
A different method is offered for Windows users to access their iCloud passwords. Users can access their passwords by downloading and installing the iCloud for Windows application, then installing the iCloud Passwords extension available for Chrome or Edge browsers. However, the fact that the Firefox browser is not supported creates a deficiency for those who prefer this platform.
The iCloud Passwords extension developed for Firefox was originally prepared by an independent developer. According to the information on GitHub, Apple is now the sole owner and maintainer of the extension. The extension’s source code and repository are kept on GitHub only for “historical reasons.” This can be interpreted as part of Apple’s strategies to increase cross-platform compatibility.
Apple keeps new iCloud feature limited to macOS only
It is noteworthy that Apple limits this new extension to macOS only. Some of the steps taken to strengthen the cross-platform experience exclude Windows users. It is expected that this restriction will be removed in the future so that Firefox users can directly access their passwords.
Apple has not yet made a statement about Windows support of the Firefox extension. Users can continue to manage their passwords from Chrome or Edge browsers. However, this does not eliminate the access restriction faced by Firefox users.
Apple’s opening of iCloud passwords to different browsers is considered an important step in terms of user experience. On the other hand, the exclusion of Firefox on the Windows platform also brings criticism. It may be possible for developers to offer broader support in the future, in line with the demands in this area. However, Firefox users do not currently have access to this extension on Windows.