Skip to main content

The first public preview of Firefox for iOS is here – if you live in New Zealand

mozilla firefox disables wot add on
Image used with permission by copyright holder
For such a long time Mozilla rejected the idea an iOS version of its Firefox browser, mainly because Apple, as far as Mozilla was concerned, placed unacceptable restrictions on the way it wanted to build its mobile browser.

But with so many iPhones and iPads out there, the group could never really ignore the platform, and when the arrival of iOS 8

firefox for ios preview
Firefox

offered new possibilities, the group last year decided the time was right to start knocking something together.

In fact, the first public preview is already here – if you happen to live in New Zealand.

In a seemingly tentative but perfectly understandable step toward its goal of releasing Firefox for Apple devices, Mozilla on Thursday offered its first public preview to iPhone and iPad users in the Pacific nation, population 4.5 million.

Commenting on the move in a blog post this week, Mozilla said the aim is to “create a great browsing experience for iOS with Firefox,” adding, “With this first public preview we will be collecting feedback in one country, before we extend availability to get feedback in a few more countries prior to a full public launch.”

It said the responses will enable it to build and refine new features before launching the software for iOS users in the rest of the world some time “later this year.”

If you’re unhappy with your current crop of iOS browsers – Safari, Opera Mini, Chrome, and Dolphin among them – then sign up here and Mozilla will let you know precisely when it’s available.

Oh, and if you happen to be in New Zealand and you’re already trying out the first public release of Firefox for Apple’s mobile devices, what do you make of it?

Editors' Recommendations

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Apple Sports app looks to rule live scores and stats on iOS
The Apple Sports app on an iPhone.

As if what it's done with MLS Season Pass wasn't proof enough that Apple is serious about sports, today we have another example. Enter Apple Sports, a new app for iPhone that aims to be the only app you'll need for live sports scores, real-time stats, and more.

Apple Sports is available today in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Inside it you'll find the likes of MLS, NBA, college basketball, Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Liga MX, Ligue 1, and Serie A — and that's just for starters. We're still in the offseason for sports like Major League Baseball, the NFL and college football, and the National Women's Soccer League and WNBA, but you'll see them all in Apple Sports once games begin.

Read more
The best iPhone and Android apps for Black History Month 2024
best iPhone and Android apps for Black History Month.

February is celebrated as Black History Month to honor Black Americans' remarkable achievements and contributions. The theme for this year is "African Americans and the Arts," which shines a light on the impact of African Americans in different artistic fields, such as cultural expression, visual and performing arts, fashion, literature, and more.

In this regard, we present a list of popular iOS and Android apps developed by Black-owned businesses and cover various topics such as finance, entertainment, wellness, and more. These apps run on all the latest smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro.
Calendly

Read more
Nomad’s new iPhone accessory is unlike anything you’ve seen before
Personal taking iPhone 15 Pro out of pocket with Rustic Brown Nomad Magnetic Leather Back attached.

Well-known leather case maker Nomad has a pair of sleek and elegant iPhone cases ready to adorn your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max in time for Valentine’s Day.

Known for its quality leather cases, Nomad has long been a favorite of those who want to dress up their iPhone with a bit of style, and its two latest accessories mark the return of a fan favorite — plus something entirely different and unquestionably cool. They're definitely the most stylish among the roster of the best iPhone 15 Pro cases. 
The Magnetic Leather Back is something else

Read more