Apple to simplify Safari AutoFill with Touch ID support in macOS 10.14.4

According to a new Settings menu option in Apple's macOS 10.14.4 beta release, the upcoming Mac operating system will allow users to complete Safari AutoFill operations with Touch ID on systems that support the authentication hardware.

Discovered by iMore, the forthcoming feature streamlines the Safari AutoFill process, which lets users automatically fill in web forms with stored credentials and information.

Currently, the AutoFill mechanic in macOS Mojave requires users to click on a text box or field and select corresponding credit card, user name, contact, password or other information from an AutoFill dropdown menu. Alternatively, Mac presents AutoFill suggestions when users begin to fill out a form with information that coincides with credentials stored in Keychain.

With macOS 10.14.4, owners of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with Touch ID can automatically fill out forms by selecting a text box and placing their finger on the Touch ID power button.

The feature not only simplifies the AutoFill process, but makes it more secure by requiring Touch ID authentication for passwords and other sensitive information. Further refinements and data management options can be accessed in Safari preferences.

To activate the new Touch ID function, navigate to System Preferences > Touch ID and click on the Safari AutoFill button. When Touch ID for Safari AutoFill is switched on, users will see a new Touch ID option at the top of Safari's usual AutoFill dropdown menu.

Apple issued the first developer beta of macOS 10.14.4 on Thursday alongside evaluation versions of iOS 12.2, watchOS 5.2 and tvOS 12.1.2.

11 Comments

EsquireCats 1268 comments · 8 Years

About 5 years ago

For users of macs without Touch ID, I hope a similar feature is extended to wearers of the Apple Watch (in much the same way that Apple Pay is extended to the watch.)

libertyforall 1417 comments · 16 Years

YAWN! How about FaceID on Mac? How about GROUPED NOTIFICATIONS on Mac, like on iOS!!!!

Metriacanthosaurus 880 comments · 8 Years

Face ID needs to come to the Mac yesterday. Fumbling for the power button location doesn’t need any more new use cases. Touch ID just isn’t a good experience on the Mac. Your hands are already resting on a physical keyboard. Unless you have a really complicated password, it’s almost always more convenient to just type it in. Only Face ID would be superior to this, as it would authenticate before you even realize you need to.

swat671 156 comments · 9 Years

Metriacanthosaurus said:

Face ID needs to come to the Mac yesterday. Fumbling for the power button location doesn’t need any more new use cases. Touch ID just isn’t a good experience on the Mac. Your hands are already resting on a physical keyboard. Unless you have a really complicated password, it’s almost always more convenient to just type it in. Only Face ID would be superior to this, as it would authenticate before you even realize you need to.

Uh, I LOVE the touchID. FaceID on the Mac? Pass!

I'm running the Safari Tech Preview, and this has been available for a couple months now. I’ve been loving it! So easy!

AppleZulu 2176 comments · 8 Years

Metriacanthosaurus said:

Face ID needs to come to the Mac yesterday. Fumbling for the power button location doesn’t need any more new use cases. Touch ID just isn’t a good experience on the Mac. Your hands are already resting on a physical keyboard. Unless you have a really complicated password, it’s almost always more convenient to just type it in. Only Face ID would be superior to this, as it would authenticate before you even realize you need to.

If you are still using passwords that are easier to type than moving your finger three inches over to the fingerprint sensor, you’re doing it wrong.