Mullvad Browser

• Mullvad Browser Alpha has moved to the Firefox Rapid channel
• Switch provides faster access to features
• Alpha version is now available on ARM Linux devices

Early testers of the Mullvad browser will now receive updates every four weeks, with the latest alpha version of the interface moving to the Firefox Rapid Release channel.

This decision provides a double benefit, allowing testers to access new features more quickly, while allowing Mullvad developers to streamline the release schedule.

Approaching its third anniversary, Mullvad Browser, which offers one of the best VPNs on the market, is now also available on Linux ARM devices, increasing its availability for users.

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A more balanced approach

Launched in April 2023, Mullvad Browser is an alternative private browser developed in collaboration with the Tor Project team, offering the privacy and security of the Tor front end combined with all the benefits of a Mullvad VPN.

Its features include anti-fingerprint protection, blocking trackers by default during private browsing, and no telemetry for maximum privacy.

It is a fork of Firefox, which means that Mullvad developers must constantly update the browser to include all the latest security fixes and features provided by Mozilla.

Until now, the browser followed a long, slow update cycle called ESR (Extended Support Release), which involves releasing major updates about once a year.

With the latest alpha moving to Firefox’s faster development cycle, Firefox code updates will be pushed to Mullvad’s alpha team every four weeks.

The result? Mullvad developers will be able to update their own code more quickly, spreading work evenly throughout the year, rather than having to deal with a huge, stressful workload concentrated on a single major annual update.

Ideal for testers

The alpha cycle is the first of two interconnected cycles – alpha and beta – in which the Mullvad Navigator is constantly engaged. Only once the bugs in the beta version have been fixed is the code deemed ready to move to the final stable phase.

This change is particularly welcomed by alpha testers – those who evaluate browser development in the early stages, identifying bugs and suggesting improvements to optimize the end user experience – allowing them to test updates approximately once a month.

However, these testers also face greater risks and the possibility of bugs, crashes, and a potentially lower level of privacy and security because not all bugs have been fixed yet. However, new features are generally aimed at increasing security, which does not necessarily mean that the system will be “less secure” overall.

Still, this change could prove to be a mixed blessing. Previously, the slower release cycle meant the same version could be used for months, allowing for more gradual analysis and more time to review versions between updates.

However, there is now a risk that new versions will be released before all existing bugs have been fixed. Mullvad actually noted that a faster cadence means it can indeed take more than four weeks between planned releases to implement fixes.

Meanwhile, the Stable channel – the safest ultimate version recommended to a wider user base – will continue to be based on Firefox ESR.

This means users will wait longer for new features, but will benefit from maximum, fully audited stability and security: a wait that is worth it for a secure and sustainable digital life.

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