Mozilla says Firefox has gained millions of new users after new European Union rules forced major tech companies to offer better browser choice options. The changes came through the Digital Markets Act, also known as the DMA.
The regulation now requires companies like Apple and Google to give users clearer options when selecting default browsers on smartphones and other devices. Mozilla claims the changes significantly increased Firefox adoption across Europe.
Firefox Sees Major Growth in Europe
Mozilla revealed that Firefox gained more than six million new users since browser choice screens launched under the DMA in March 2024. According to the company, a user selects Firefox through a browser choice screen every 10 seconds.
The DMA targets large technology companies classified as digital “gatekeepers.” Under the law, companies must stop favoring their own browsers and services during device setup and onboarding processes.
As part of the rollout, iPhone and Android users in the European Union now see browser selection screens when setting up devices or opening browsers for the first time. Those screens allow users to choose alternatives like Firefox instead of automatically remaining with Safari or Chrome.
User Choice Improved Firefox Retention
Mozilla also said users who actively selected Firefox through the DMA choice screens stayed with the browser longer than expected. The company reported that retention rates became five times higher compared to users who installed Firefox later through traditional downloads.
Researchers compared Firefox activity inside the EU with usage across dozens of non-EU countries before and after the DMA changes. The findings showed significant growth across Europe, especially on iPhones.
According to the research, Firefox daily active users on iOS were more than twice as high in the EU compared to projected numbers without the DMA. Android growth appeared smaller but still showed measurable improvement.
Mozilla Says Browser Competition Problems Remain
Despite the recent Firefox DMA growth, Mozilla argues that browser competition is still uneven in some areas. The company criticized Microsoft for continuing to push users toward Edge through aggressive prompts and interface design choices.
Mozilla now wants browser choice requirements expanded further across desktop operating systems. The company believes users should receive clearer options across all major platforms, not only mobile devices.
EU officials continue defending the DMA and its broader impact on digital competition. Regulators say the law already improved user choice while creating better opportunities for smaller technology companies.
DMA Continues to Pressure Big Tech
The Digital Markets Act remains one of the EU’s largest efforts to reduce the dominance of major technology platforms. Since the law took effect, users in Europe have gained access to more alternative services, app stores, and customization options.
Large technology companies, however, continue pushing back against several DMA requirements. Some firms argue the rules create security concerns or complicate user experiences.
Mozilla’s recent growth figures now provide one of the strongest examples of how the regulation can directly change user behavior in Europe’s technology market.
Conclusion
The recent Firefox DMA growth highlights how regulation can quickly influence browser competition. By forcing major platforms to offer genuine browser choice, the EU helped Mozilla reach millions of additional users across Europe.
Mozilla believes the results prove that many users are willing to try alternatives when given a fair and visible choice during device setup.
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