Ricky MondelloJun 18, 2024

RE: Accidental Tech Podcast 592, which speculates that macOS Sequoia pre-installs the iCloud Passwords browser extension for Chrome users.

It absolutely does not.

The discussed JSON file supports the user-installable extension communicating with the OS to securely access password data. See https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/concepts/native-messaging

The new Passwords app does encourage Chrome and Edge users to install the extension on first launch, however. Button opens the browser to the relevant Chrome/Edge Web Store page.

Native messaging  |  Chrome for Developers

Exchange messages with native applications from your Chrome Extension.

Chrome for Developers
Show threadChristopher Grande

@rmondello I was just listening to that episode and thought to myself that must be exactly what it is — just the OS level helper.

I do have an oddity re: the extension, is it normal for this prompt to appear on the regular? I don't use Chrome as my default browser so I launch it only once or twice a week and I always seem to get this. This is all on shipping software. I looked around and couldn't seem to find anything about it. Otherwise it’s been a life/type saver and works great!

Jun 18, 2024 at 6:11pmWeb