It’s not the easy syncing solution you might have hoped for.
Apple has taken another step toward improving cross-platform compatibility by officially launching an iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox. This means if you store your passwords in Apple’s iCloud Keychain, you can now sync them with Firefox, just as you already could with Chrome, Edge, and Safari. However, there’s a catch: this new capability is exclusive to macOS Sonoma or later, leaving Windows users unable to enjoy the same functionality on Firefox.
If you’re a macOS user, this addition provides a seamless way to manage and sync your passwords across multiple browsers without compromising on security. But for those on Windows, the road to accessing your iCloud passwords on Firefox remains blocked for now.
A Frustrating Limitation for Windows Users
Windows users who rely on Firefox might feel left out by this decision. While Apple has made strides in supporting other browsers like Chrome and Edge through its iCloud Passwords ecosystem, the company has yet to extend Firefox compatibility to the Windows platform.
For now, Windows users looking to access their iCloud passwords will need to stick with Apple’s existing solutions:
- iCloud for Windows – Download and install this app to manage your iCloud services, including passwords.
- iCloud Passwords Extension – Available for both Chrome and Edge, this extension syncs your iCloud passwords with these browsers.
This workaround might not be ideal for Firefox enthusiasts, but it’s the only viable option for accessing your Apple-synced credentials on a Windows machine.
Why Firefox Support Matters
Firefox remains a popular choice among privacy-focused users and developers, making this extension a welcome addition for those in the Apple ecosystem. By allowing iCloud Keychain to sync directly with Firefox, Apple continues to break down barriers between its ecosystem and third-party platforms, albeit at its own pace.
A Shift in Development: Apple Takes Control
Interestingly, this Firefox extension wasn’t originally developed in-house. Instead, it was created by a third-party developer, who recently handed over complete control to Apple. A notice on the extension’s GitHub repository confirms the change, stating that Apple is “now the sole owner in charge of maintaining their own official iCloud Passwords extension.”
As a result, the GitHub repository no longer hosts the source code or development updates, keeping it accessible only for historical reference. This shift aligns with Apple’s strategy of maintaining strict control over its software products to ensure tight integration with its ecosystem and a high standard of security.
Will Apple Bring Firefox Support to Windows?
At this time, it’s unclear if Apple plans to expand Firefox compatibility to Windows. When asked for clarification, Apple has yet to comment on its future plans for the extension.
Given Apple’s increasing focus on services and cross-platform integration, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Windows support added down the line. However, the company has a history of prioritizing its own platforms over third-party ones, so users may have to wait for further updates.
The Bigger Picture: Apple and Cross-Platform Accessibility
The release of an official Firefox extension is part of Apple’s broader effort to make its services accessible outside the confines of its own ecosystem. From Apple Music to iCloud Drive and now iCloud Passwords, the company has been steadily opening its services to more platforms.
Still, these steps often come with caveats, and the lack of support for Windows Firefox users is a glaring example. By expanding its cross-platform offerings, Apple stands to win over more users who appreciate flexibility and interoperability. However, excluding certain platforms from full functionality could alienate potential adopters.
What’s Next?
For now, if you’re a macOS user running Sonoma or later, you can take advantage of this new Firefox integration by installing the iCloud Passwords extension from Mozilla’s add-on store. Meanwhile, Windows users will need to rely on Chrome or Edge to access their iCloud passwords—or hope that Apple broadens support for Firefox in the near future.
Apple’s move to support Firefox is a step in the right direction, but the journey toward true cross-platform harmony is far from over. Stay tuned as we monitor updates to Apple’s iCloud services and whether Windows users will eventually gain access to this useful integration.
Have you tried the new iCloud Passwords extension on Firefox? Share your experience in the comments below!
