Firefox’s nightly builds, the publicly available Firefox for Android lacked access to this expanded ecosystem
In a significant upgrade to the Firefox Android browser, Mozilla has introduced over 450 new extensions, providing users with a plethora of customization options. The extensions, also known as browser add-ons, cater to various needs, such as enhancing privacy through anti-tracking tools, boosting productivity with content blockers, and introducing novel features like music streaming. Users can also personalize their browsing experience by implementing dark mode across all websites or adopting a more efficient tab management system.
The absence of a diverse range of extensions has been a longstanding issue for Firefox Android users since the browser’s 2020 revamp, which incorporated the faster and more customizable “GeckoView” browser engine. Initially limiting supported extensions to those within the “Recommended Extensions” program expedited the browser’s release but hindered the extension development community.
Despite the introduction of more extensions in nightly builds, the publicly available Firefox for Android lacked access to this expanded ecosystem, leaving mainstream users without these valuable features. However, in August of this year, Mozilla completed the necessary infrastructure to reintegrate the open extension ecosystem into Firefox for Android. Today’s announcement confirms the availability of 450+ extensions, opening up new possibilities for users.
Mozilla emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open ecosystem, highlighting that nearly half of all Firefox desktop users leverage extensions to customize their browsing experience. While Firefox for Android holds a mere 0.5% market share on mobile devices, Chrome dominates with a 64.23% share, followed by Safari, Samsung’s browser, and Opera.
Despite its relatively small market share, Firefox for Android boasts a dedicated user base, particularly among those seeking alternatives to major tech giants. Noteworthy features, such as automatic tracker blocking, contribute to the browser’s appeal. According to Google Play Store data, Firefox for Android has surpassed 100 million installs to date.
Giorgio Natili, Firefox’s Director of Engineering, expressed excitement about the extension launch, stating, “The opportunity for innovation is vast.” He envisions developers creating novel browsing experiences and features, providing users with the freedom to transform the way Firefox for Android looks and behaves. Natili anticipates continuous improvements as developers explore this exciting new space.
