Firefox Gains 6 Million Users Thanks to EU Browser Rules

Key Takeaways

• Firefox gained 6 million users since 2024 due to EU-mandated browser selection screens
• Apple ecosystem saw 113% Firefox growth versus 12% on Android, due to different screen timing
• DuckDuckGo reported 40% increase in Android browser usage from the same regulation

Firefox just picked up six million new users. Not through a marketing campaign or a killer new feature. Through regulation.

The EU's Digital Markets Act, which forces tech giants to play nicer with competitors, required Apple and Google to show browser selection screens on mobile devices. The result: Mozilla's browser saw substantial growth for the first time in years.

What the Digital Markets Act Changed

The Digital Markets Act targets what the EU calls internet "gatekeepers." Companies like Apple and Google must now let third parties work with their services. One specific requirement: showing users alternative browsers on new phones.

Before this rule, most iPhone users never saw Firefox as an option. Safari opened by default. Chrome came pre-installed on Android. Alternative browsers existed, but users had to actively seek them out.

Now, when EU users set up a new device, they see a screen listing browser options. That simple change shifted millions of users toward alternatives.

Apple Users Switched More Than Android Users

The numbers tell an interesting story. Firefox grew 113% across Apple devices, including iPhone and Apple Watch. On Android, the increase was just 12%.

The difference comes down to timing. iPhone and iPad users see the browser selection screen when they first open Safari. Android shows it during initial boot or after a factory reset. Safari users encounter the choice during normal use. Android users might dismiss it before they've even finished setup.

This suggests the moment of choice matters as much as having a choice at all. A selection screen during active browsing converts better than one buried in device setup.

Other Browsers Gained Too

Firefox wasn't the only winner. DuckDuckGo reported a 40% boost in Android browser usage. Opera, Vivaldi, and Aloha all saw increases too.

The gains matter because browser market share was stagnant for years. Chrome dominates with roughly 65% of global users. Safari holds most of the rest. Firefox had dropped below 3% of internet users. A browser with single-digit market share faces real questions about long-term survival.

More users means more revenue from search deals. More revenue means continued development. For browsers that prioritize privacy over data collection, every percentage point counts.

Why This Matters Beyond Mobile

Mobile devices now account for more than half of internet traffic. When users pick a browser on their phone, many stick with it on desktop too. Sync features, saved passwords, and familiar interfaces create lock-in.

Firefox's mobile gains could stabilize its desktop numbers. The browser has lost desktop share for over a decade. A stronger mobile presence might reverse that trend.

Both Mozilla and DuckDuckGo are now pushing for similar browser selection rules in the UK. If adopted, the requirement would affect another major English-speaking market.

Firefox's Broader Push

Mozilla has been active on multiple fronts this year. In February, the company ended Firefox support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Users on older systems were encouraged to switch to Linux if their hardware couldn't run Windows 11.

The company also joined Stop Killing Games and other organizations in lobbying the UK government on digital preservation issues. Mozilla positions itself as a privacy-first alternative to Chrome, which recently faced criticism for installing AI features without clear user consent.

What Comes Next

The Digital Markets Act continues to roll out across EU member states. Browser selection screens are just one piece. The law also covers app stores, messaging interoperability, and payment systems.

For Firefox, the question is whether six million users represents a turnaround or a temporary bump. Sustainable growth requires those users to stay. If the browser delivers on privacy and performance, the EU's nudge could become permanent market share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Firefox gain users in 2024?

The EU's Digital Markets Act required Apple and Google to show browser selection screens on mobile devices. This gave Firefox visibility it previously lacked, leading to 6 million new users.

What is the EU Digital Markets Act?

A regulation requiring large tech companies ("gatekeepers") to allow third-party services to work with their platforms. For browsers, this means showing users alternatives to default options.

Why did Firefox grow more on iPhone than Android?

iPhone users see browser options when they first open Safari. Android shows them during initial setup or factory reset. The Safari timing catches users during active browsing, leading to 113% growth versus 12% on Android.

Will the UK get browser choice screens?

Mozilla and DuckDuckGo are lobbying for similar rules in the UK. No legislation has been passed yet.

What is Firefox's current market share?

Firefox has less than 3% of global internet users. Chrome dominates with roughly 65%, and Safari holds most of the remaining share.

Source: PCGamer latest