Firefox 147.0 has been released, marking the first major update of 2026 for the browser. This version brings several improvements, particularly for Linux users, but primarily focuses on foundational maintenance rather than introducing flashy new features.
Key Changes in Firefox 147
Improvements for Linux
One of the most significant updates is the resolution of a long-standing issue—a 20-year-old bug—by incorporating support for the Freedesktop.org XDG Base Directory Specification. This change enables Firefox to organize its files more logically, placing configuration files in ~/.config/mozilla, data in ~/.local/share/mozilla, and cache in ~/.cache/mozilla, rather than consolidating everything in ~/.mozilla. However, this adjustment will only apply to fresh installations or new profiles, leaving existing setups unchanged.
Additionally, Firefox now adjusts window and rendering sizes to match actual pixel dimensions on GNOME with Mutter, improving visual sharpness on displays utilizing fractional scaling.
New Features
A notable new feature is the stabilization of the Auto-Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. Videos on web pages can now automatically open in PiP when users navigate away from their tabs. This feature can be enabled in the settings menu, allowing them to customize this behavior as they see fit.
Performance and Security Enhancements
For users operating AMD GPUs, Firefox 147 enables zero-copy playback for hardware-encoded videos, enhancing playback performance comparable to Intel and NVIDIA GPUs. The update also introduces support for Compression Dictionaries, potentially leading to quicker web page loading in low-bandwidth conditions.
Moreover, Firefox is migrating to the Safe Browsing V5 protocol, improving overall security. With Enhanced Tracking Protection on Strict, the browser now implements local network access restrictions.
There are several other changes, including:
- WebGPU support for Apple Silicon on macOS.
- Introduced Navigation API for improved navigation management.
- New capabilities for CSS and service workers.
Experimental Features
The split tabs feature has received usability improvements, offering users a streamlined way to manage tab layouts. An upcoming update is expected to enhance keyboard shortcut customization, providing users with the ability to modify their hotkeys for better user experience.
Download Information
Firefox 147 is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with the release commencing on January 13. Linux users can update through their distribution’s preferred method, such as the Snap Store for Ubuntu or the Mint Update tool for Linux Mint.
For installations, users may opt for the Firefox Snap, Flatpak on Flathub, or traditional .deb packages, along with other methods available on the official Firefox website.
For more detailed security updates and changes, users can consult the official release notes and security advisory.