From 2024, Firefox has gained 6 million users, mainly due to browser choice screens introduced under the EU Digital Markets Act, according to data from The Register. Other standalone browsers like DuckDuckGo, OperaVivaldi and Aloha have also seen growth following the same regulatory change.
The Digital Markets Law requires that gatekeepers such as Apple and Google show alternative browser options to users on new devices through dedicated selection screens, rather than exclusively promoting their own browsers.
Where new Firefox users come from
Firefox has seen a 113% increase in users within the Apple ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. By contrast, the increase among Android users has been only 12%. Mozilla explains the difference based on how each operating system handles browser selection.
When iPhone and iPad users open Safari for the first time, they see the browser selection screen, making selection part of their regular experience. On Android devices, the selection screen appears only during initial setup or after a factory reset, meaning fewer users encounter it during regular use.
How browser choice screens are revolutionizing the competition
DuckDuckGo has reported a 40% increase in browser usage on Android since the introduction of choice screens. Opera, Vivaldi and Aloha have also seen growth, although no specific figures have been revealed.
Browser choice screens are currently only available in the European Union. Mozilla and DuckDuckGo advocate for similar requirements to be introduced in the UK. Both organizations see this regulatory approach as essential to challenging the dominance of pre-installed defaults on mobile devices.
Why the mobile browser gains importance on the desktop
Mobile devices now account for more than half of Internet traffic. The increased use of standalone browsers on phones and tablets helps ensure that these browsers remain relevant on desktop computers too, thanks to brand recognition, user accounts, and bookmark syncing across devices. Mobile device use also influences browsing patterns on desktop computers, even for users who initially discovered browsers via phone.
Firefox currently has about 3% of the global browser market. The 6 million additional users represent a notable increase from a low baseline, but do not significantly alter the competitive landscape, which is still dominated by Chrome worldwide.
