Mullvad Browser's testers now get access to updates every four weeks, also on Linux ARM devices | Tech Radar

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Mullvad Browser's testers now get access to updates every four weeks, also on Linux ARM devices

The Stable channel will remain on slower Firefox ESR

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Mullvad Browser Alpha has transitioned to the Firefox Rapid channel

The Alpha version is now available on Linux ARM devices

Mullvad Browser’s early testers will now receive updates every four weeks as the latest alpha version of the interface has transitioned to the Firefox Rapid Release channel.

This move offers a twofold benefit, giving testers quicker access to new features, whilst enabling Mullvad’s developers to smooth out the release schedule.

As it approaches its third anniversary, Mullvad browser, which features one of the best VPNs on the market, is now also available on Linux ARM devices, further boosting its user availability.

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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-fingerprinting protection, default blocking of trackers during private browsing, and no telemetry for maximum privacy.

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

Until now, the browser has followed a long and slow update cycle known as ESR (Extended Support Release), which involves the release of major updates approximately once a year.

Starting with 16.0a 1 alpha release, Mullvad Browser Alpha is based on the Firefox Rapid Release channel rather than the Extended Support Release (ESR). The alpha release is now available on Linux ARM. Read more here: https://t.co/nga SJSc RIe March 26, 2026

Starting with 16.0a 1 alpha release, Mullvad Browser Alpha is based on the Firefox Rapid Release channel rather than the Extended Support Release (ESR). The alpha release is now available on Linux ARM. Read more here: https://t.co/nga SJSc RIe March 26, 2026

With the latest alpha release switching to Firefox's faster development cycle, the Firefox code updates will be sent to the Mullvad alpha team every four weeks.

The result? Mullvad’s developers will be able to update their own code faster, spreading the work steadily throughout the year rather than having to cope with a huge and stressful workload concentrated into a single major annual update.

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

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The switch is particularly welcomed by alpha testers — those who evaluate the browser’s development in its very early stages, identifying bugs and suggesting improvements to optimise the final user experience — allowing them to test updates roughly 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, as not all bugs have been fixed yet. New features, however, usually aim to boost security, so this does not necessarily mean that the system will, on the whole, be 'less secure.'

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

Now, however, there might be a risk that new versions will be released before all existing bugs have been fixed. Mullvad noted, in fact, that a faster cadence means it may indeed take longer than four weeks between scheduled versions 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 gain maximum and fully audited stability and security: a well-worth wait for a secure and enduring digital life.

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Silvia Iacovcich is a tech journalist with over five years of experience in the field, including AI, cybersecurity, and fintech. She has written for various publications focusing on the evolving regulatory landscape of AI, digital behavior, web 3, and blockchain, as well as social media privacy and security regulations.

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• Mullvad Browser's testers now get access to updates every four weeks, also on Linux ARM devices