Throughout 2025, Firefox introduced a series of updates designed to improve the browsing experience, offering enhanced flow, speed, choice, and control over user information and interaction. The internet browsing experience, whether on desktop, mobile, or across various devices, received significant upgrades during the year.
More flow:
Tab Groups
Tab Groups offer a solution for managing numerous open tabs, whether a few or thousands. Color-coded groups simplify the process of organizing related tabs, maintaining order, and transitioning between projects seamlessly. This feature is useful for daily news, weekend research, or travel planning.
Vertical Tabs
Vertical Tabs provide an alternative browsing layout, arranging tabs along the side of the window rather than across the top. This option allows for a clearer view of open tabs at a glance and offers a more organized interface that is easy to scan and navigate.
Address Bar Shortcuts
Address Bar Shortcuts enable quick navigation to desired content using simple, intuitive keywords. Users can rapidly search open tabs, bookmarks, history, or browser actions by typing shortcuts (such as @tabs or @bookmarks) directly into the address bar, providing an efficient method to find information without disrupting workflow.
More speed:
Shake to Summarize (iOS)
For mobile users, Shake to Summarize allows for quick extraction of key points from content with a simple shake or tap. This feature instantly highlights steps in recipes, displays scores for sports, and provides main takeaways from news articles. It received a Special Mention in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025. Activation methods include:
- Shaking the device.
- Tapping the thunderbolt icon in the address bar.
- Accessing the menu, then tapping three dots > Summarize Page.
Save Web Apps (Windows)
Firefox enables saving websites to the Windows taskbar, allowing them to function as web applications. When launched, these open in their own dedicated window, making frequently used tools and services easily accessible and quick to start. Any website can be added to the taskbar by clicking the web apps icon that appears in the address bar.
Link Previews
Link Previews provide a brief overview of a link’s content before opening it. This eliminates the need to open multiple tabs unnecessarily, offering instant context to help users decide their next action. Activation involves clicking and holding a link for approximately one second (long press), or right-clicking a link and selecting ‘Preview Link’ from the menu.
Unload Tabs
Unload Tabs enhances browser efficiency by suspending inactive tabs. These tabs remain visible and can be instantly reopened when needed, without impacting the performance of the rest of the browser. To use this feature, right-click any tab and select ‘Unload Tab’.
More choice:
AI Chatbots
Unlike some browsers that limit users to a single default assistant, Firefox offers the flexibility to select a preferred AI chatbot directly within the sidebar. This allows users to keep their chosen assistant readily available, obtain quick answers without switching tabs, and browse in a manner that suits their individual preferences.
Perplexity
Perplexity was integrated as an additional search option, providing conversational answers accompanied by verifiable citations. This serves as a robust alternative for individuals seeking direct, trustworthy information without sifting through extensive search results.
Custom Wallpapers
Users can now personalize the browser’s appearance with curated wallpaper collections or personal images. A unique browsing environment can be created by opening a new tab and clicking the pencil icon to begin customization.
More control:
PDF Editing
The integrated PDF editor in Firefox now features signature and commenting capabilities. Users can add notes, mark up documents, sign forms, and review content all from a single, convenient sidebar, eliminating the need for additional software.
Visual Search
Visual Search, powered by Google Lens, allows users to search based on images with a simple right-click. This desktop-exclusive feature enhances the intuitiveness and curiosity-driven nature of searching. Currently, it requires Google to be set as the default search engine.
Screen Lock for Private Tabs (Android)
Private browsing sessions are kept secure with Screen Lock, which protects private tabs using the device’s biometric authentication, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or a PIN. This ensures that browsing activity remains secure from unauthorized access.
Profile Management
Profiles can assist in segmenting different aspects of a user’s digital life, such as work versus personal browsing, or school versus gaming. Users can create distinct profiles for each, switch between them instantly, and maintain focus. The current version was shaped by feedback from students, professionals, and contributors.
Thanks for a great 2025!
Firefox delivered numerous enhancements this year, including smoother tab management, quicker information retrieval, and new tools offering greater choice and control. The browser continues to be developed with user priorities in mind.
For updates in the new year, users can consult the release notes or the What’s New in Firefox section.
