Mozilla rolls out Firefox 157 redesign and adds clearer AI controls

In short: Mozilla is releasing Firefox 157 with a redesigned look and new settings that let people control, or turn off, built-in AI features.

What happened

Mozilla says the Firefox 157 update will roll out a redesign across desktop and mobile. The company hopes the new look and added customization will make Firefox feel more modern and easier to use, not just a browser chosen mainly for privacy reasons.

Ajit Varma, Mozilla’s head of Firefox, told Ars Technica the goal is to reach a wider audience. He said many people do not think much about which browser they use, and often stick with whatever came on their device.

Varma also pointed to “choice screens” in Europe, where new phones may ask you to pick a browser during setup. He said Firefox has seen growth when people are given that moment to choose.

Mozilla is also leaning into what Varma called “AI controls.” These are settings that let users switch AI features off, or allow only specific ones like translations. He contrasted this with other browsers that he said push AI more aggressively.

Mozilla is trying to stand out in a market where many browsers share the same underlying foundation, Chromium (the common “engine,” like a car’s motor). Firefox uses its own engine, called Gecko.

Why it matters

For everyday users, this is mostly about having a browser that feels comfortable and familiar on your computer or phone, and that does not force extra features on you. For the web as a whole, Mozilla argues that having more than one major browser engine helps avoid one company setting the rules for everyone.

Source: Arstechnica