Bitwarden opens a beta of its redesigned apps
Bitwarden's new look is in beta for desktop and browser until October 31, with a general rollout to cloud customers planned for November.
Written by Mac App Index Editorial
Bitwarden has opened a beta of a redesigned interface for its apps, including the desktop app on Mac. The company announced it in its September 2026 product update, published on September 30.
What is new
The redesign brings an updated look, simpler navigation and what Bitwarden calls more intuitive workflows. One visible change is in naming: Collections are renamed Shared folders.
The beta clients are separate installs, so you can try them without replacing your current app. Bitwarden says they have the same functions and security as the production versions, and you sign in with your usual account. It recommends enabling only one version at a time to avoid conflicts. Self-hosted servers are not supported by the beta apps.
Dates to know
- The beta runs until October 31. After that, the beta apps should be uninstalled, because they will not receive updates or security fixes.
- The new design is due to roll out automatically to cloud customers in November, with no action required.
- Self-hosted customers will get it in a later server release.
Other changes in the update
The same post lists a new option, "Show quick copy actions in vault", in the web and desktop apps. It adds one-click copying for usernames, passwords, card numbers and identity fields. Bitwarden also lists autotype in the desktop app, and signing in with operating-system passkeys such as Touch ID, as coming soon, without dates.
Most of the rest of the update is aimed at business admins, with features such as invitation links and staged provisioning.
Should you join the beta?
If you just want your passwords to work, wait for November. If you are curious, the beta is a low-risk way to see the new layout early, since it runs alongside the current app. Instructions and known issues are in Bitwarden's Help Center.
Bitwarden is open source and free for individuals. More password managers and privacy tools are in our security and privacy category, and our guide to privacy apps for Mac covers the settings worth checking first.
Source: Bitwarden, September 2026 product update for Bitwarden Business plans.
