Mozilla Is Developing a New Mobile Browser Called Fenix
Mozilla has started developing a new browser for mobile devices as part of the Fenix project. The development is still in its early stages, with only about 5% of the planned features for version 1.0 currently implemented. However, interface mockups have already been published, giving insight into the new browser’s features and the direction of the product’s development.
Fenix is based on the GeckoView engine and the set of Mozilla Android Components libraries, which are also used to build Firefox Focus and Firefox Lite browsers. According to the available interface mockups, Fenix developers are experimenting with moving the address bar and control panel to the bottom of the screen, as well as providing an expanded menu reminiscent of the classic menu in the desktop version of Firefox.
Key Features and Interface
Through the menu, users can access settings, the library (favorites, history, downloads, recently closed tabs), choose the site display mode (such as requesting the desktop version), search for text on the page, switch to private mode, open a new tab, and navigate between pages. The multifunctional address bar displays the current page title instead of the URL and includes a universal button for quick actions, such as sending a link to another device or adding a site to the favorites list, which Fenix uses instead of traditional bookmarks.
On the start page mockups, the menu is moved to the top right corner, and the page itself displays an address bar combined with a global search function. It also shows a list of open tabs or, if no pages are open, a list of sessions that group previously opened sites according to browser sessions. After closing the browser, any remaining open tabs are automatically grouped into a session, which can later be viewed and restored.
Additional Planned Features
When tapping the address bar, a full-screen suggestion mode launches, offering relevant input options based on browsing history and search engine recommendations. The screen also provides buttons for quickly opening a link from the clipboard and for obtaining an address by scanning a QR code.
Although not shown in the mockups, the development roadmap includes features such as a built-in ad blocker, a system for blocking user tracking, a download manager, a separate overview mode for private tabs, integration with external password managers, and device linking via QR code for sharing links.