Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source web browser known for its Gecko rendering engine, which prioritizes current and future web standards. It's compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and offers unofficial ports for various Unix-like systems. Mobile versions are available for Android (using Gecko) and iOS (using WebKit due to platform restrictions). Firefox is also accessible on Amazon Fire TV, providing an alternative browsing experience on the platform.
September 23, 2002: First Firefox Version Released as "Phoenix"
On September 23, 2002, version 0.1 of the browser, then named "Phoenix", was released as an experimental branch of the Mozilla project.
April 3, 2003: Mozilla Shifts Focus to Firefox and Thunderbird
On April 3, 2003, the Mozilla Organization announced a shift in its focus from the Mozilla Suite to developing Firefox and Thunderbird.
October 2003: Criticism of Early Firefox Designs
In October 2003, interface designer Steven Garrity criticized the visual design of early Firefox versions (then known as Firebird and Phoenix), stating that they lacked the polish of other professional software.
2003: Project Renamed to "Firebird" After Trademark Dispute
Following a trademark claim from Phoenix Technologies, the project was renamed "Firebird" in 2003, which sparked controversy with the Firebird database software project.
February 9, 2004: Firefox Gets its Final Name
After facing trademark issues and community pushback with the names "Phoenix" and "Firebird," the browser was finally named "Mozilla Firefox" on February 9, 2004.
February 2004: Introduction of New Firefox Branding
February 2004 marked a significant change in Firefox's visual identity with the release of version 0.8. This included a new logo designed by Jon Hicks, featuring a stylized fox instead of the initially considered red panda.
September 12, 2004: Launch of Spread Firefox Marketing Portal
On September 12, 2004, Firefox launched "Spread Firefox" (SFX), a central platform to discuss and promote the browser. The platform, launched alongside the Firefox Preview Release, underscored Mozilla's commitment to an open internet and encouraged user participation in marketing efforts.
November 9, 2004: Firefox 1.0 Release
On November 9, 2004, Firefox 1.0 was released to the public. This marked a significant milestone in the history of web browsers as Firefox quickly gained popularity as a worthy competitor to Internet Explorer.
November 2004: First Official Release of Firefox
The first official version of the Firefox browser was released in November 2004, offering support for 24 languages and 28 locales. This demonstrated a strong early emphasis on internationalization and accessibility.
2004: Aggressive Marketing Campaigns for Firefox
Following its rapid adoption and reaching 100 million downloads in its first year, Firefox launched a series of aggressive marketing campaigns in 2004, led by Blake Ross and Asa Dotzler.
November 2005: Firefox 1.5 Release
Firefox 1.5 was released in November 2005, following the successful launch of version 1.0.
December 2005: Firefox 1.5 High Memory Usage Concerns
In December 2005, reports surfaced in Internet Week about high memory usage in Firefox 1.5, causing concern among users. Mozilla attributed this to the new FastBack feature and identified malfunctioning extensions and outdated plugins as contributing factors.
July 15, 2006: Launch of "World Firefox Day" Campaign
The "World Firefox Day" campaign, launched on July 15, 2006, marked the third anniversary of the Mozilla Foundation. The campaign invited participants to register themselves and a friend for a chance to be featured on the Firefox Friends Wall at the Mozilla Foundation headquarters.
September 15, 2006: End of "World Firefox Day" Campaign
The "World Firefox Day" campaign concluded on September 15, 2006, after a two-month celebration of Firefox and its community.
October 2006: Firefox 2.0 Release
Firefox 2.0 was released in October 2006, bringing new features and improvements to the browser.
2006: Security Comparison with Internet Explorer
In 2006, reports highlighted Firefox's generally quicker security patch turnaround time compared to Internet Explorer, contributing to the perception of Firefox as a more secure browser.
2006: Slow Startup Time of Firefox 1.5 Reported
Softpedia raised concerns about the slow startup time of Firefox 1.5 in 2006, an observation corroborated by subsequent speed tests.
2006: Firefox Crop Circle Created by Students
In 2006, students and Firefox contributors from Oregon State University designed a crop circle replica of the Firefox logo in an oat field near Amity, Oregon, showcasing the dedication and creativity of the Firefox community.
2006: Debian Renames Firefox to Iceweasel Over Trademark Dispute
The Debian project decided to rename Firefox to "Iceweasel" in 2006 after a dispute with Mozilla over the use of the Firefox logo and trademark guidelines.
2006: Firefox 2 Memory Usage Outperforms Internet Explorer 7
In 2006, PC World and Zimbra conducted tests indicating that Firefox 2 consumed less memory compared to Internet Explorer 7.
2006: Symantec Security Study
A 2006 Symantec study indicated that while Firefox had a higher number of vulnerabilities compared to other browsers, it also had a significantly faster patching rate, with fixes often released within a day of exploit code becoming public.
2006: Firefox Expands macOS Support with Universal Binary
In 2006, Firefox introduced support for Intel-based Macs through a universal binary starting with version 1.5.0.2, broadening its reach to a wider range of macOS users.
2007: Launch of Firefox Live Chat Support
To assist users with technical issues, Mozilla launched a live chat support service in 2007, allowing users to connect with volunteer experts for real-time assistance. The service was later discontinued.
2007: Mozilla Clarifies Firefox Trademark Use for Open-Source Distributions
In 2007, Mozilla Foundation Chairperson Mitchell Baker addressed the controversy surrounding the use of the "Firefox" trademark by open-source distributions, stating that distributions could use the trademark if they didn't modify the source code.
February 21, 2008: Firefox Community Celebrates 500 Million Downloads
Reaching a milestone of 500 million downloads on February 21, 2008, the Firefox community celebrated uniquely by collaboratively earning 500 million grains of rice on the online game platform, Freerice.
June 2008: Firefox 3.0 Release
Firefox 3.0 was released in June 2008.
June 2009: Firefox 3.5 Release
Firefox 3.5 was released in June 2009.
July 2009: Firefox Surpasses One Billion Downloads
By July 2009, Firefox had achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one billion downloads since its initial release on November 9, 2004. It's essential to note that this figure does not encompass downloads originating from software updates or third-party websites.
October 2009: Windows Presentation Foundation Plugin Vulnerability
In October 2009, a security vulnerability was discovered in the Windows Presentation Foundation browser plugin, which was silently installed in Firefox by a Windows Update. The vulnerability affected Firefox users on Windows and was later patched by Microsoft.
November 2009: Firefox Reaches Peak Usage Share
In November 2009, Firefox usage share reached its highest point at 32.21%, with version 3.5 surpassing the usage of Internet Explorer 7.
January 2010: Lifehacker's Browser Performance Comparison
In January 2010, Lifehacker published a comprehensive performance comparison of popular browsers, including Firefox 3.5, Firefox 3.6, Google Chrome 4, Safari 4, and Opera. The tests evaluated startup times, page loading speeds, JavaScript performance, and memory usage, concluding that Firefox 3.6 exhibited the most efficient memory management.
January 2010: Firefox 3.6 Release
Firefox 3.6 was released in January 2010.
January 2010: Firefox for Mobile ("Fennec") Debuts on Maemo
January 2010 marked the first release of Firefox for mobile devices under the codename "Fennec". This version, optimized for phones and tablets, was initially available for the Maemo operating system.
July 2010: IBM Adopts Firefox as Default Browser
In July 2010, IBM made a significant decision to standardize its workforce's browsing experience by requiring all employees, approximately 400,000 individuals, to utilize Firefox as their default web browser.
2010: NIST Vulnerability Ranking
A 2010 study by NIST ranked Firefox as the fifth-most vulnerable desktop software, based on data from the National Vulnerability Database.
2010: Landry Breuil Begins Maintaining Firefox for OpenBSD
Landry Breuil took over maintenance of the Firefox port for OpenBSD in 2010.
February 11, 2011: Secunia Vulnerability Report
As of February 11, 2011, Secunia reported that Firefox 3.6 had no known unpatched security vulnerabilities, contrasting it with Internet Explorer 8, which had five.
February 2011: Retirement of Spread Firefox Announced
Mozilla announced the retirement of the Spread Firefox (SFX) platform in February 2011.
March 2011: Firefox 4.0 Introduces "Strata" Redesign
March 2011 saw a major redesign of Firefox's graphical user interface with the release of version 4.0, codenamed "Strata."
March 2011: Mozilla Announces Plans for Rapid Release Cycle
Mozilla revealed plans to transition Firefox to a faster, 16-week release cycle in March 2011.
March 2011: Firefox 4.0 Release
Firefox 4.0 was released in March 2011.
March 2011: Firefox for Android Launches
In March 2011, Firefox expanded its mobile presence with the release of Firefox for Android, offering its features and functionality to Android users.
April 2011: Firefox Implements Rapid Release Cycle
Mozilla implemented the rapid release cycle for Firefox in April 2011, splitting the release process into four channels: Nightly, Aurora, Beta, and Release.
May 2011: Closure of Spread Firefox
Three months after the initial announcement, Mozilla officially shut down the Spread Firefox platform in May 2011, with plans for a potential future iteration.
September 2011: Firefox Passes Acid3 Test
Following the removal of SVG font tests from the Acid3 benchmark in September 2011, Firefox 4 and later versions achieved a perfect score of 100/100.
September 2011: Firefox Discontinues Maemo Support
After the release of version 7 in September 2011, Firefox ceased support for the Maemo operating system, focusing on other mobile platforms.
November 2011: Google Chrome Surpasses Firefox in Usage
In a significant shift in the browser landscape, Google Chrome overtook Firefox in November 2011 to become the second most used web browser.
January 3, 2012: Mozilla Releases GPL-Compatible MPL 2.0 License
Mozilla released MPL 2.0, a GPL-compatible version of the Mozilla Public License, on January 3, 2012.
January 2012: 3D Page Inspector Introduced
Firefox 11, released in January 2012, included a new 3D page inspector tool within its developer tools, allowing developers to visualize the document object model of web pages in three dimensions using WebGL.
February 2012: Tom's Hardware Performance Test Results for Firefox 10 on Windows 7
In February 2012, Tom's Hardware conducted a performance test on various web browsers including Firefox 10, Chrome 17, Internet Explorer 9, Opera 11.61, and Safari 5.1.2. The test was conducted on Windows 7 and evaluated performance across various categories. Firefox 10 demonstrated "acceptable" or "strong" performance in most categories.
June 5, 2012: Firefox Adopts MPL 2.0, Replacing Tri-Licensing Scheme
With the release of Firefox 13 on June 5, 2012, Mozilla switched to using MPL 2.0, replacing the previous tri-licensing scheme.
September 2012: Mozilla Discontinues Firefox Home for iOS
In September 2012, Mozilla pulled Firefox Home, a companion app that allowed users to access their Firefox browsing history, bookmarks, and tabs on iOS devices, from the App Store. The company stated it would focus its resources on other projects.
October 2012: Firefox User Base Reaches Over 450 Million
Despite being surpassed by Chrome, Firefox maintained a substantial user base, with Mozilla reporting over 450 million users in October 2012.
2012: Rapid Release Cycle Adopted
Starting with version 5 in 2011, Firefox switched to a rapid release model. By the end of 2012, the stable release reached version 17.
2012: Most Trusted Internet Company for Privacy
In 2012, Mozilla was recognized as the most trusted internet company for privacy, based on a survey by the Ponemon Institute.
January 28, 2013: Mozilla Recognized for Privacy
On January 28, 2013, Mozilla received recognition as the most trusted internet company for privacy in 2012, based on a survey of over 100,000 US consumers conducted by the Ponemon Institute.
February 2013: Third-Party Cookie Blocking Plans
In February 2013, Mozilla revealed its plans to disable third-party cookies by default in Firefox 22, a move aimed at enhancing user privacy. The implementation was later postponed for further data collection and analysis.
April 2013: Mozilla CEO States Firefox Won't Come to iOS Under WebKit Restriction
In April 2013, then-Mozilla CEO Gary Kovacs stated that Firefox would not be released on iOS if Apple required the use of the WebKit layout engine.
June 2013: Tom's Hardware Performance Test Results for Firefox 22
In June 2013, Tom's Hardware conducted another performance test on web browsers, including Firefox 22, Chrome 27, Opera 12, and Internet Explorer 10. Firefox 22 slightly outperformed the other browsers in the "performance" index, and it received the highest score in the "non-performance" index.
August 2013: Blocking Mixed Content and JavaScript Disabling Changes
Firefox 23, released in August 2013, enhanced security by blocking mixed content (serving resources like iframes, stylesheets, and scripts from non-HTTPS servers on HTTPS pages) by default. This version also removed the option to disable JavaScript through Firefox's preferences due to its widespread use and potential impact on inexperienced users.
September 2013: Firefox Explores Touchscreen Optimization
In September 2013, Mozilla began experimenting with a Metro-style version of Firefox, specifically designed for touchscreen devices. This version was released on the "Aurora" release channel.
2013: Guest Session Mode Introduced
Firefox for Android introduced a guest session mode in 2013, allowing users to browse privately by deleting browsing data at the end of each session.
January 2014: Memory Usage Benchmark Test Results for Firefox 29
In January 2014, a benchmark test was conducted to evaluate the memory usage of Firefox 29, Chrome 34, and Internet Explorer 11. The findings showed that Firefox 29 utilized the least amount of memory when a significant number of tabs were open.
March 14, 2014: Mozilla Discontinues Metro-Style Firefox
On March 14, 2014, Mozilla made the decision to discontinue the Metro-style Firefox project due to low user adoption.
April 2014: Firefox 29.0 "Australis" Redesign Released
In April 2014, Firefox 29.0 was released, featuring the "Australis" redesign of the user interface.
October 2014: Firefox Hello Introduced
Firefox Hello, an implementation of WebRTC, was added in October 2014, enabling video calls, screen sharing, and file sharing between Firefox users and other compatible systems.
January 2015: WebRTC VPN Security Concerns
In January 2015, reports highlighted a potential security vulnerability in Firefox when using a VPN due to its support for WebRTC, potentially exposing users' real IP addresses.
2015: Firefox for iOS Launches
In 2015, Mozilla launched Firefox for iOS, marking the first Firefox-branded browser not to use the Gecko layout engine.
2015: Benchmark Test Results for Firefox in Early 2015 on Windows
In early 2015, benchmark testing was performed on a high-end Windows machine to compare the performance of various web browsers, including Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Opera. Firefox emerged as the top performer in three out of the seven tests conducted.
September 2016: Firefox Hello Discontinued
Firefox Hello was discontinued in September 2016.
November 2016: Firefox Focus Launches for iOS
November 2016 saw the release of Firefox Focus, a privacy-focused web browser for iOS.
2016: Debian Switches Back to Firefox Branding
After years of using the name "Iceweasel", the Debian project switched back to using the Firefox branding for its modified version of the browser in 2016.
2016: Benchmark Test Results for Firefox in 2016
In 2016, a series of benchmark tests were conducted, and Firefox demonstrated competitive JavaScript performance, surpassing Internet Explorer but slightly trailing behind other browsers like Chrome, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge in tests such as Kraken, Jetstream, and Octane.
2016: Quantum Project Announced
Mozilla announced the Quantum project in 2016, aiming to enhance Firefox's engine and performance, modernize its architecture, and transition it to a multi-process model.
March 2017: Oracle Disbands Solaris Desktop Team, Ending Firefox for Solaris Support
The Oracle Solaris Desktop Beijing Team, responsible for maintaining the Firefox port for Solaris, was disbanded in March 2017. Consequently, official support for Firefox on Solaris ended.
November 2017: Firefox 57.0 "Photon" Redesign Released
Firefox 57.0, released in November 2017, introduced the "Photon" redesign.
November 2017: Release of Firefox 57 and the Quantum project
In November 2017, Firefox 57 with the Quantum project was released, showcasing significant speed improvements compared to Chrome in independent JavaScript tests and demonstrating reduced memory usage with multiple tabs open.
November 2017: Firefox Quantum Project Begins
In November 2017, Firefox began incorporating new technology under the code name "Quantum" with the goal of promoting parallelism and a more intuitive user interface.
November 2017: Firefox Quantum Released
November 2017 saw the release of Firefox 57, the first version to incorporate enhancements from the Quantum project. This marked a significant milestone as Firefox Quantum was touted as the "biggest update" to the browser since version 1.0.
November 2017: Mozilla's Partnership with Reggie Watts for Firefox Quantum Launch
To promote the release of Firefox Quantum in November 2017, Mozilla collaborated with musician and comedian Reggie Watts, producing a series of TV ads and engaging social media content.
2017: Mr. Robot Extension Controversy
In 2017, Mozilla faced criticism for silently installing an extension in Firefox that promoted the TV show Mr. Robot. This action raised concerns about user consent and privacy.
2017: Mozilla Retires Aurora Channel, Rebases Firefox Developer Edition
Mozilla retired the Aurora channel in 2017 due to low adoption and moved Firefox Developer Edition to the beta channel.
2017: Decline in Firefox's Monthly Active Desktop Users
Mozilla's Firefox Public Data report indicated a notable decline in the number of active monthly desktop users for Firefox, dropping from approximately 310 million in 2017 to 200 million in 2023.
2017: Newer Firefox Versions Packaged for OpenBSD Without Ports System
In 2017, Landry Breuil began making newer versions of Firefox available for OpenBSD installations without the ports system.
September 2018: Firefox Reality Launches for AR/VR Headsets
Firefox Reality, a web browser for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality headsets, was released in September 2018.
November 2018: Sandbox Implementation
In November 2018, Firefox introduced a sandbox feature to improve security by isolating web tabs from each other and the system, a feature already present in competitors like Chrome and Edge.
May 2, 2019: Extension Signing Policy Change
On May 2, 2019, Mozilla announced plans to tighten extension security by mandating that all extensions be signed by Mozilla for use in release and beta versions of Firefox. This change aimed to enhance security and prevent the distribution of malicious extensions.
May 3, 2019: Expired Certificate Causes Firefox Extension Outage
On May 3, 2019, an expired intermediate signing certificate on Mozilla's servers led to the automatic disabling and locking of all browser extensions in Firefox.
May 2019: TechRadar Rates Firefox as Fastest Web Browser
In May 2019, TechRadar recognized Firefox as the fastest web browser based on its performance evaluation.
May 21, 2019: Cryptocurrency Mining and Fingerprinting Protection
Firefox 67.0, released on May 21, 2019, introduced features to block scripts that hijack users' CPUs for cryptocurrency mining and provided options to block known fingerprinting scripts. These additions aimed to enhance user privacy and security.
June 2019: Firefox Logo Redesign
In June 2019, Mozilla unveiled a refreshed Firefox logo, marking a move to unify the branding across the Firefox browser and its associated services. This new logo was rolled out with the release of Firefox version 70.
July 2, 2019: Automatic Trust for OS-Installed Certificates
On July 2, 2019, Firefox implemented a mechanism to automatically trust certificates installed by the operating system, streamlining the browsing experience by reducing TLS errors.
October 2019: German Federal Office for Information Security Certification
In October 2019, Firefox version 68 ESR (Extended Support Release) successfully met all the minimum requirements for mandatory security features, earning certification from the German Federal Office for Information Security.
2019: CVE-2019-17026 Vulnerability
In 2019, a type confusion vulnerability (CVE-2019-17026) was discovered in Firefox's IonMonkey JavaScript engine and was actively exploited in the wild.
2019: Guest Session Mode Removed
In 2019, Firefox for Android removed the guest session mode, citing a desire to "streamline the experience."
August 2020: Mozilla Launches New Firefox for Android ("Firefox Daylight")
August 2020 saw the launch of a redesigned Firefox for Android app, publicly named "Firefox Daylight" and codenamed "Fenix." This version aimed for performance improvements with the GeckoView engine and enhanced privacy features.
Oct 2020: Decline of Firefox's Market Share in Countries Where It Was Once Dominant
Starting in October 2020, Firefox began to experience a decline in its desktop market share, particularly in countries where it had historically held a dominant position. For example, its market share in Eritrea dropped significantly from 50% to 9.32% between October 2020 and September 2021.
2020: Firefox Transitions to Four-Week Release Cycle
Firefox switched to a four-week release cycle in 2020 to keep pace with Chrome in supporting new web features.
January 6, 2021: Adobe Flash Support Dropped
Firefox 85 was released on January 6, 2021, and with it came the end of support for Adobe Flash.
March 2021: Firefox Launches SmartBlock
In March 2021, Firefox introduced SmartBlock in version 87 to enhance user privacy. This feature aimed to prevent cross-site tracking without disrupting the functionality of websites. SmartBlock isolates data from each website a user visits, making cross-site scripting very challenging.
June 1, 2021: Firefox "Proton" Redesign Released to Stable Channel
On June 1, 2021, Firefox's "Proton" redesign, which had been available in beta builds, was released to the stable channel. This redesign, however, drew criticism from some users, particularly regarding accessibility concerns.
June 2021: Firefox 89.0 "Proton" Redesign Released
June 2021 marked the release of Firefox 89.0, which included the "Proton" redesign of the browser's interface.
October 5, 2021: TenFourFox, Unofficial Firefox Port for PowerPC Macs, Ends Development
TenFourFox, an unofficial project that continued development of Firefox for PowerPC Macs, ceased development on October 5, 2021.
November 2021: Firefox Becomes Available on Microsoft Store
In November 2021, Mozilla made Firefox available for download through the Microsoft Store, providing users with an alternative installation method.
2021: Paid Promotions Included in Search Suggestions for US Users
In 2021, Firefox implemented a change for users in the United States, where paid promotions began to be included by default in the browser's search suggestions.
2021: Decline of Firefox's Market Share in Countries Where It Was Once Dominant
Starting in October 2020, Firefox began to experience a decline in its desktop market share, particularly in countries where it had historically held a dominant position. For example, its market share in Eritrea dropped significantly from 50% to 9.32% between October 2020 and September 2021.
January 13, 2022: HTTP/3 Implementation Issue Causes Outage
An issue with Firefox's HTTP/3 implementation on January 13, 2022, resulted in a significant outage that lasted for several hours.
February 2022: Igalia Takes Over Firefox Reality, Renames it Wolvic
In February 2022, Mozilla handed over the reins of the Firefox Reality project to Igalia, who renamed it to Wolvic.
September 26, 2023: On-Device Translation Introduced
Firefox 118.0, released on September 26, 2023, introduced a new feature allowing for the on-device translation of web page content.
December 29, 2023: Concerns Arise Over Firefox's Support by US and UK Governments Due to Declining Market Share
The UK and US governments adhere to the "2% rule," which mandates that only web browsers with a market share exceeding 2% among visitors to their websites will receive official support. Concerns emerged regarding the potential discontinuation of Firefox support as its browser market share among US government website visitors dwindled to 2.2% as of December 29, 2023.
2023: Decline in Firefox's Monthly Active Desktop Users
Mozilla's Firefox Public Data report indicated a notable decline in the number of active monthly desktop users for Firefox, dropping from approximately 310 million in 2017 to 200 million in 2023.
January 2024: Firefox Remains a Widely Used Desktop Browser
In January 2024, Firefox retained its position as the fourth most widely used desktop browser globally. Additionally, it secured the fourth position in overall popularity across all platforms, capturing a 3.3% share of worldwide web browser usage.
January 23, 2024: Official APT Repository for Debian-Based Linux Distributions
Alongside the release of Firefox 122.0 on January 23, 2024, Mozilla introduced an official APT repository for Debian-based Linux distributions.
May 2024: Firefox Expands Language Support
By May 2024, Firefox expanded its language support to an impressive 97 locales, covering 88 languages. This highlighted Firefox's commitment to global accessibility and user base.