Mozilla firefox History Timeline and Biographies

2002

Mozilla Firefox Development Begins

The development of Mozilla Firefox officially began as "Phoenix," a project aimed at creating a lightweight browser based on the Mozilla Application Suite. This marked the start of a new direction for Mozilla, focusing on a standalone browser experience.

2003

Firefox Renamed to Firebird

In 2003, the browser was renamed to "Firebird" to avoid trademark issues, further refining its identity as a fast and efficient alternative to existing browsers. This version gained a small but dedicated user base, paving the way for future growth.

2004

Mozilla Firefox 1.0 Released

On November 9, 2004, Mozilla Firefox 1.0 was officially released. This version included features such as tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and a customizable interface, quickly gaining popularity and marking the browser's official entry into the market.

2005

Firefox 1.5 Introduces Update Manager

Mozilla Firefox 1.5 was released in November 2005, introducing an update manager for easier software updates, improved performance, and better support for web standards, solidifying its reputation as a modern web browser.

2006

Firefox 2.0 and Enhanced Features

Released in October 2006, Mozilla Firefox 2.0 brought features like improved tab management, built-in phishing protection, and a new integrated search feature, further enhancing user experience and security.

2008

Firefox 3.0 and Download Day Campaign

Mozilla Firefox 3.0 was released in June 2008, featuring a new rendering engine, improved performance, and a redesigned interface. The launch was accompanied by a global "Download Day" campaign, which aimed to set a Guinness World Record for the most software downloads in 24 hours.

2011

Firefox 4.0 Introduces a New Look

In March 2011, Mozilla Firefox 4.0 was released, showcasing a significant redesign of the user interface and enhanced performance. It also introduced hardware acceleration, making browsing faster and more efficient.

2015

Firefox 39 and Electrolysis Project Begins

Mozilla Firefox 39 was released in June 2015, marking the beginning of the Electrolysis project aimed at improving performance and security by enabling multi-process architecture for better handling of web content.

2017

Firefox Quantum Launches

Mozilla Firefox Quantum, version 57, was launched in November 2017, offering a complete overhaul of the browser with a new engine, improved speed, and enhanced privacy features, positioning Firefox as a modern competitor in the browser market.

2019

Firefox 70 Introduces Enhanced Tracking Protection

In October 2019, Mozilla Firefox 70 introduced Enhanced Tracking Protection by default, significantly improving user privacy by blocking third-party tracking cookies and enhancing overall security while browsing.

2020

Firefox 83 and Native Support for Apple Silicon

Released in November 2020, Firefox 83 included native support for Apple Silicon, optimizing performance on newer Mac devices while continuing to enhance the user experience and security features.

2021

Firefox 89 and a New Visual Refresh

Mozilla Firefox 89 was released in June 2021, featuring a major visual refresh known as "Proton," which streamlined the interface and made it more user-friendly, aligning with modern design trends.

2022

Firefox 100 Milestone Release

In May 2022, Mozilla Firefox celebrated its 100th version release, showcasing its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in web browsing technology, along with new features for enhanced user experience.

2023

Firefox 115 and New Privacy Features

Released in July 2023, Mozilla Firefox 115 introduced new privacy features, including improved cookie management and enhanced tracking protection, further solidifying its position as a privacy-focused browser.

2024

Firefox 120 and AI Integration Enhancements

In early 2024, Mozilla Firefox 120 was released, incorporating AI-driven features for smarter browsing and personalized user experiences, showcasing Mozilla's commitment to leveraging technology for user benefit.