Apple has released an iCloud Passwords extension for the Chrome browser, designed to simplify the experience for individuals who utilize both Windows computers and Apple products such as MacBooks or iPhones. This new extension enables users to access passwords previously saved in Safari on their other Apple devices and then employ those same credentials within Chrome while operating on a Windows PC.

Furthermore, any new passwords established within Chrome can be stored directly to your iCloud keychain, ensuring synchronization across all of your Apple devices.

While Apple did not make a formal announcement regarding this new capability, references to an iCloud Passwords extension were included in the release notes for the latest version of iCloud for Windows 10 (version 12), which became available in late January. Following the update, a dedicated “Passwords” section appeared within the application, marked with the iCloud Keychain logo. This section initially provided a link to download the extension, but the link was inactive as the extension was not yet available.

This situation changed on Sunday, according to a report by 9to5Google, which discovered that the new Chrome add-on had been published to the Chrome Web Store late Sunday evening. Consequently, Windows users can now successfully access the new Passwords section and initiate the download process.

After installation, Windows-based Chrome users will have the ability to utilize any passwords they had previously saved or that were securely generated for them by iCloud Keychain within Safari on macOS or iOS. Simultaneously, new login details created by Windows users will be synchronized with their iCloud Keychain, making them accessible on Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices as needed.

This marks the first instance of a Chrome extension providing support for iCloud Keychain on Windows, as previously Apple had only offered an iCloud Bookmarks tool for older Windows 7 and 8 PCs, which was used by over 7 million people.

Certain users who have attempted to use the extension have encountered issues, but these appear to be linked to not having first updated their PCs to iCloud for Windows 12.0, which is a necessary condition for the extension to function correctly.

Despite typically prioritizing its own ecosystem, Apple has gradually broadened the availability of some of its services to Windows and even Android platforms where it proves beneficial. Currently, Apple provides its entertainment applications, such as Apple Music and Apple TV, on alternative platforms including Android, and has also launched Apple TV on competing media players like Amazon Fire TV. Additionally, 9to5Mac reports that Apple seems to be preparing to offer Music and Podcasts through the Microsoft Store in the future.