LastPass for iOS adds Safari extension, Touch ID integration in iOS 8

Password-management service LastPass has unveiled LastPass for Premium 3.1.0 for iPad and iPhone users with paid-for LastPass accounts.

Version 3.1.0 taps into two new iOS 8 features to deliver direct support for Safari and Touch ID integration, allowing users to unlock LastPass using their finger rather than a passcode or master password.

The headline new feature is the brand new LastPass Safari Extension, made possible by changes introduced in iOS 8 itself.

Once enabled, the extension works as it does on other platforms, giving LastPass users the ability to fill web logins in Safari without leaving the browser; previously they either had to use LastPass’s own built-in browser or copy the password in LastPass before switching back to Safari to manually paste it in.

On top of giving users access to existing logins in Safari, the extension also allows users to store new logins too.

Touch ID integration needs to be switched on from within the LastPass app’s Settings section -- flick the "Use Touch ID Verification" switch to On.

To enable the LastPass extension in Safari, users must first browse to Settings > Safari > Password and Autofill, then switch Names and Passwords off to disable Safari’s built-in password manager.

Once done, users must then open Safari and locate a page containing a login. Tap the Share button and choose More, then flick the LastPass entry to on before tapping and dragging the entry to its desired place in the list.

Going forward, users can then simply browse to a site, then tap Share > LastPass to log in, providing additional authentication -- including the new Touch ID feature on supported devices -- if necessary.

LastPass for Premium 3.1.0 is available now for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running iOS 5.1.1 or later. iOS 8 is required for both new features (Touch ID also requires a compatible device), along with a LastPass Premium account.