Popular password management service 1Password on Tuesday released a new version of its Mac app with support for macOS Big Sur, adding a number of new features like Apple Watch unlock.
If you’re a fan of 1Password, you’re going to like this. 1Password, the ubiquitous password locker program, has been updated to version 7.7. The new version, which incorporates support for macOS Big Sur, offers the following features and changes: Support for Apple Watch Unlock. 7.6.793 (build #793) – released 2021-03-02 – download Improvements. 1Password is now quicker to load data and uses less memory. When you save a new Login using the 1Password classic extension, 1Password mini would disable vaults where you don't have the Import Items permission. Then, you can select whether you want to update macOS from Catalina to Big Sur (or Big Sur to Big Sur if you are switching from a different patcher) or do a clean install of Big Sur (currently unavailable). After that, your Mac will start downloading @barrykn's micropatcher for kexts and a couple other resources.
The new mechanism enables 1Password users to unlock their vaults without remembering and manually entering lengthy passcodes. When a user attempts to unlock the app, a notification appears on their Apple Watch. Double-clicking the side button approves the request.
The solution is similar to Apple's own method of approving password requests in macOS.
Any Mac running macOS 10.15 or later with a Secure Enclave — T1 of T2 Security Chip — can take advantage of the feature, meaning Macs with Touch ID and newer laptops and desktops. Additionally, 1Password's Touch ID integration remains and can be used in conjunction with Apple Watch unlock.
Beyond authentication, 1Password version 7.7 integrates inline Safari support for autofill fields like credit card forms, addresses, passwords and more. Safari also nets virtual payment card integration via 1Password's collaboration with Privacy, a service that protects user information by creating single-use, 'virtual' card numbers for online shopping. A paid Privacy account is required, but 1Password customers can try the service free for three months.
Finally, the app receives a fresh makeover with new user interface elements like a retooled password generator and tweaked app icon.
1Password version 7.7 is a free upgrade for existing subscribers. New users can sign up for a one-month free trial through 1Password's website and the Mac App Store, though the update has not yet rolled out to the latter. Subscription pricing for individuals is set at $2.99 a month.
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1Password, one of the most popular password management services, has been updated for macOS Big Sur today, adding several new features that take advantage of the new capabilities of the operating system.
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Chief among those is the option to use your Apple Watch to unlock 1Password: if enabled, you’ll get a pop-up on your watch when you open the app, which you can then unlock by double clicking the side button on the smartwatch. The Apple Watch feature doesn’t interfere with the usual Touch ID option for Macs that offer it — customers will be able to use either method to unlock their passwords. (That said, Touch ID will still be considered the “default” method.)
The new update for 1Password also increases its integration into Safari on Big Sur, allowing the service to automatically fill in your passwords directly from text fields on websites.
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Lastly, the newly updated app features some light design changes that make it a bit easier to use (as well as a new, Big Sur-style icon).
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While 1Password has been updated for Big Sur, it’s important to clarify that it hasn’t been updated with a new, Arm-based version of the app for Apple’s latest M1 chip Macs. The app will run on those Macs through Apple’s Rosetta 2 translation software, and AgileBits tells MacRumors that it hopes to have more information regarding M1 support in the future.