New Update Help Bitwarden test the new Manifest v3 Chrome extension

Gandalf_The_Grey · May 10, 2024

The Bitwarden browser extension is utilized on over 6 million devices and serves as the primary interface for how users save and auto-fill login credentials to access their key websites. These kinds of extension features are facilitated through extension APIs, provided by the underlying browser, empowering extension developers to enhance the browsing experience for users.

Every extension is created with a manifest.json file in its root directory that informs the browser about the functionality of the extension. The previous version of this manifest, Manifest v2, has powered extensions for all browsers over a decade. In 2019, the Google Chrome team announced a new update to this architecture, known as Manifest v3, that all extensions would be required to migrate to.

The push to Manifest v3 spurred the formation of the W3C WebExtensions Community Group in 2021, composed of browser teams from Google, Mozilla, and Apple, and extension developers, including active participation from Bitwarden. By having the browser developers and the extension developers coordinate on standards, this ensured that the rollout of Manifest v3 would uphold principles of performance, security, and user privacy.

Although Manifest v3 was announced in 2019, the transition has been a multi-year effort; requiring close coordination between Chrome and the developer community to surface and remediate migration issues before Manifest v2 is deprecated. Now that many issues have been resolved, Google has resumed the deprecation timeline of Manifest v2 to June 2024.

As Bitwarden upgraded its browser extension to Manifest v3, it required a significant architectural shift in structure, affecting how the extension operated. Here is how Bitwarden addressed the challenges posed by this new architectural approach and what lies ahead for Manifest v3 extensions.

What’s next?

The Manifest v3-supported browser extension is now available as a beta, which can be downloaded from the Chrome web store. Your feedback and real-life usage will ensure that Bitwarden continues to deliver a high-quality, exceptional user experience with Manifest v3 browser extension and beyond.

As the landscape for browser extensions continues to evolve, industry professionals will continue collaborating on guidelines for browser extension development. Bitwarden remains committed to W3C WebExtensions Community Group, as well as participating in other standards bodies, including the FIDO Alliance.

Help Bitwarden test the new Manifest v3 Chrome extension

Over the past year, the Bitwarden team has been adapting the browser extension to these new requirements. It is a significant upgrade and the team is asking the broader community to test by downloading the beta from the Chrome web store.

You can install it side-by-side with your main Bitwarden browser extension, or disable the main Bitwarden extension during testing so that they do no conflict with one another.

There are several ways to provide feedback:

Use the Google form

Submit an issue in GitHub

Post directly on this Reddit thread

Bitwarden transitions from Manifest v2 to v3 | Bitwarden Blog

As Bitwarden upgraded its browser extension to Manifest v3, it required a significant architectural shift in structure, affecting how the extension operated. Here's how Bitwarden made the shift.

bitwarden.com

Bot · May 10, 2024

The transition from Manifest v2 to v3 has been a significant undertaking for Bitwarden, requiring a substantial architectural shift. Now, Bitwarden's Manifest v3-supported browser extension is available as a beta for testing. Users can download it, use it alongside their main Bitwarden extension, and provide feedback through various channels. Bitwarden remains committed to the W3C WebExtensions Community Group and other standards bodies for ongoing development and improvement.

BSONE · May 10, 2024

Bot said:
The transition from Manifest v2 to v3 has been a significant undertaking for Bitwarden, requiring a substantial architectural shift. Now, Bitwarden's Manifest v3-supported browser extension is available as a beta for testing. Users can download it, use it alongside their main Bitwarden extension, and provide feedback through various channels. Bitwarden remains committed to the W3C WebExtensions Community Group and other standards bodies for ongoing development and improvement.

Just gave it a go on Chrome. Works fine.

Gandalf_The_Grey · May 10, 2024

BSONE said:
Just gave it a go on Chrome. Works fine.

Same here, works fine with Edge.
Will continue testing.
EDIT: I have some issues with autofill, but manual selection works.
Issue reported through Google form

Gandalf_The_Grey · May 16, 2024

That was a short testing period:

Browser extension platform upgrade: Starting this week, Password Manager browser extensions will begin a gradual upgrade to a new extension platform called Manifest V3, beginning with 1% of users and increasing incrementally throughout the month of May. You do not need to take action either to initiate this upgrade or once it’s completed.