Mozilla will officially drop support for its Firefox Lockwise password manager on Dec. 13.
Firefox Lockwise debuted in 2019 as a way for iOS and Android users to create, manage, and sync passwords across devices. Unlike other password managers, which are mostly browser-agnostic, Firefox Lockwise was specifically designed for use with its namesake web browser.
On Dec. 13, the standalone apps will be deprecated in favor of Firefox's built-in password management tools. "You will no longer be able to install or reinstall Firefox Lockwise from the App Store or Google Play Store," Mozilla says in a support article. "iOS version 1.8.1 and Android version 4.0.3 will be the last releases for Firefox Lockwise. The application may continue to work on your device, but it will no longer receive support or security updates."
Firefox Lockwise users won't lose access to their passwords after the app is shut down, however, with Mozilla saying that Firefox's desktop and mobile browsers will continue to host that vital data. All users have to do is sync their passwords using a Firefox Account.
The company notes that Firefox for iOS will only allow saved passwords to be used within the app, but it encourages users to "check back for updates in December 2021 on how to use Firefox for iOS as your system-wide password manager," so that should change fairly soon.
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When asked why it decided to shut down Lockwise, Mozilla noted the addition of password management features to its Firefox mobile apps in October. "One of our promises this year was to deliver ways that can help you navigate the web easily and get you quickly where you need to go," it said. "We are confident that Firefox Lockwise users will find they can manage their passwords and take them wherever they go whenever they use Firefox on mobile apps."
Editors' Note: This story was updated with comment from Mozilla.
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Nathaniel Mott
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I've been writing about tech, including everything from privacy and security to consumer electronics and startups, since 2011 for a variety of publications.
I have a knack for identifying emerging trends, a fondness of learning new things, and a bunch of opinions. That combination lends itself well to covering security, weird tech, and breaking news; reviewing mice, keyboards, and other hands-on products; and having as much fun as possible in the process.
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