Skip to main content

Hands-on: macOS 10.14.4 beta 1 streamlines Safari AutoFill with support for Touch ID

Apple yesterday released macOS 10.14.4 beta 1 to developers. We’ve already run through all of the changes in iOS 12.2 beta 1, and now it’s been discovered that macOS 10.14.4 includes support for Safari AutoFill with Touch ID.

AutoFill in Safari allows you to save time by automatically inserting things like your address, name, password, and more on websites. In the current stable version of macOS, however, Safari AutoFill requires you to manually pick what data you want to enter, and does not require authentication.

In macOS 10.14.4 beta 1, though, Apple has expanded Safari AutoFill to support Touch ID. This does two things: improves your security as passwords and addresses now require Touch ID authentication, and it simplifies your workflow.

Here’s how it works. On a site that requires you to log in or input things like your address, clicking into such a field will display the normal dropdown list of options. The top option, however, shows a Touch ID logo. As long as you’re clicked in the first field, there’s nothing else you have to do to sign-in.

It’s a pretty nice feature. Simply place your finger on the Touch ID button, and you’ll automatically be logged in. You don’t even have to click the sign in/log in button on the site. This change was first spotted by iMore, and we’ve confirmed its existence.

Of course, to use this feature, you must have a Touch ID-enabled Mac. This currently consists of the MacBook Pro as well as the 2018 MacBook Air.  The setting is accessible via Safari > Preferences > AutoFill.

macOS 10.14.1 is currently in developer beta testing. The Safari Autofill with Touch ID feature is also available in the latest version of Safari Technical Preview, which is available on Apple’s developer website.

Related stories:


Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications