Add MobiGyaan as a preferred source on GoogleMozilla has started rolling out Firefox 157, bringing one of the browser’s biggest visual refreshes in years across desktop and mobile. The update introduces a new design language with refreshed colors, icons, themes, and interface elements while retaining Firefox’s open-source foundation and built-in privacy controls. Firefox 157 was first offered to Release channel users on 29th September 2026.
Firefox Gets a More Modern Design
The refreshed design updates several parts of Firefox, including the tabs, toolbars, sidebar, menus, New Tab page and Private Browsing experience. Mozilla says the design uses a more consistent visual language across desktop and mobile while maintaining browser performance.
The update brings softer tab shapes, updated icons, rebalanced spacing and a refreshed color palette. Mozilla internally developed the redesign under the name Project Nova before bringing it to the stable Firefox release.
Firefox 157 also enables the updated sidebar for everyone, with vertical tabs now part of the refreshed sidebar experience.
Compact Mode Returns
One of the notable additions is the return of Compact Mode, which Mozilla brought back following user feedback.
The mode reduces the size and spacing of tabs and the toolbar, giving webpages more available screen space. Mozilla also provides an auto-compact option for smaller screens, while the compact layout can be useful for split-screen setups.
New Theme Picker and Wallpapers
Firefox 157 also adds a new theme picker, making it easier to change the browser’s appearance. Users can explore new Firefox themes and wallpapers directly through the customization experience.
Mozilla has also introduced new built-in themes with light and dark versions, allowing users to change Firefox’s appearance more easily.
New Tab Page Gets More Customization
The redesigned Firefox also provides additional control over the New Tab page.
Users can choose what appears on the homepage and pin shortcuts so frequently visited websites remain easily accessible. The customizable New Tab experience is being rolled out gradually.
More Control Over AI Features
Firefox continues to give users control over how AI features are integrated into the browser. Mozilla says users can choose which AI features appear, which model they use and what context those features can access.
This keeps AI functionality as a customizable part of the browser rather than making it a fixed experience.
Despite the visual changes, Mozilla says the redesign does not change Firefox’s underlying principles. The browser remains independent and open source, with built-in privacy protections and controls for deciding how Firefox operates.
Firefox 157 also includes various security fixes and several smaller usability changes. The release notes mention improvements to video playback synchronization, HDR video handling on Windows, full-screen video behavior and keyboard navigation.
Mozilla Firefox 157 Availability
Firefox 157 is now rolling out to users across desktop and mobile devices. Mozilla says the refreshed design is being made available to everyone using Firefox, with the update starting from 29th September 2026.
