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Firefox 157.0 is Mozilla’s latest stable desktop release listed on October 7, 2026, and it brings a substantial visual refresh plus hardware AV1 decoding for supported WebRTC video calls. Firefox remains available across major desktop and mobile platforms, with privacy controls such as Private Browsing and Enhanced Tracking Protection. The available evidence does not establish that it is faster, lighter, or more private overall than competing browsers; those judgments depend on your needs and on testing the same workload and devices.
What changed in Firefox 157?
Mozilla dated Firefox 157.0 to September 29, 2026. Its release notes call it the browser’s biggest visual refresh in years, with updated toolbars, sidebar, menus, and other interface features. The release adds light and dark themes and a compact mode that reduces spacing in the toolbar and tabs. Mozilla’s Firefox 157.0 release notes also document hardware AV1 decoding for WebRTC video calls on supported devices, a warning when Firefox is configured to record encryption keys, video fixes, and security fixes.
Firefox is listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, but availability and specific features can depend on the platform, hardware, settings, and gradual rollout. Current Firefox is no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier or macOS 10.14 and earlier; Mozilla directs users on those systems to Firefox ESR. Check the release notes for the requirements and download options that apply to your device.
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How does Firefox handle privacy?
Private Browsing and tracking protection
Mozilla describes Private Browsing as a way to keep browsing history and passwords private on a shared device, while Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks trackers that follow users across sites. Mozilla also lists protections against harmful scripts and malware. These are the browser maker’s descriptions of its features, not an independent security audit or a guarantee of anonymity. Mozilla’s Firefox privacy feature page explains these controls.
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Data processing and local features
Mozilla’s privacy notice says Firefox processes technical and settings data to provide core functionality and associated services. It names New Tab, PDF editing, password management, and Total Cookie Protection among default features. The notice says some personal data—including browsing history, form data, temporary files, and cookies—is processed locally unless the notice specifies otherwise. It also says local translation and PDF alt-text suggestions use small language models downloaded to the device, with the specified content staying local absent explicit consent. Read the Firefox Privacy Notice, effective May 4, 2026, for the full details.
Search suggestions
Search suggestions are on by default. As you type, suggestion requests—including real-time queries and technical data—go to your search provider. In some regions, including the United States, Firefox suggestions are also available; Mozilla describes an OHTTP proxy for U.S. requests and says certain de-identified search and interaction data may be shared with partners. The notice says you can disable search suggestions and Firefox suggestions, including sponsored suggestions, in settings.
Firefox VPN
Mozilla’s notice says its Firefox VPN feature proxies Firefox traffic through an intermediary and hides your IP address from sites you visit. It does not proxy traffic from other applications and does not by itself make web browsing fully anonymous. Mozilla says the proxy cannot access webpage content or sensitive information such as messages and passwords, while limited technical and interaction data is processed to maintain and improve the feature.
What does the performance evidence show?
The documented improvements are specific to particular hardware and workloads, not evidence of a general speed advantage. Firefox 157 adds hardware AV1 decoding for WebRTC calls where a device supports it. Earlier, Firefox 147 documented zero-copy playback for hardware-decoded video on supported systems with AMD GPUs. Those release notes describe targeted media changes, but neither provides a controlled comparison with other browsers. See the Firefox 147.0 release notes for the dated AMD video change.
There are no controlled cross-browser speed tests, memory comparisons, or battery benchmarks in the available evidence. In practical use, performance can vary with your workload, device, operating system, extensions, and media hardware. To decide whether Firefox is faster or more efficient for you, compare current browser versions on the same device, with the same sites, tasks, settings, and measurement method.
Which announced features are not confirmed as shipped?
In a June 2026 roadmap post, Mozilla discussed future work including native integration for Multi-Account Containers, expansion of Firefox VPN on mobile, Quick Answers, continued Smart Window development, and a mobile Power Saving Mode. The post distinguishes what was already rolling out from what was planned next; it does not establish that every roadmap item has shipped. Check a current release note before relying on any of them. Mozilla’s June 2026 Firefox roadmap post provides the original context.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider Firefox?
Firefox is worth considering if you want a browser with customizable interface options and built-in privacy controls across desktop and mobile. Its latest documented changes are most directly relevant if you value the refreshed interface or make WebRTC calls on hardware that supports AV1 decoding. If your decision hinges on comparative speed, memory use, battery life, or privacy strength, the cited release notes and Mozilla descriptions do not settle those comparisons; look for reproducible tests that match your device and priorities.
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