Mozilla Releases Firefox 157 With a Global Redesign and Brings Back Compact Mode

On September 29, 2026, Mozilla began rolling out Firefox 157. It’s a major visual refresh that brings the browser’s look in line across desktop and mobile. The changes were tested for several months under the codename Project Nova. As the developers note in an official blog post, the main goal of the redesign is to freshen up the interface without breaking familiar mechanics or hurting engine performance. The release also cements the browser’s recent move to a faster two-week update cycle.

Compact Mode Returns, and the Start Page Gets More Customization

One of the most anticipated additions is the official return of Compact Mode. It reduces the height of the toolbar and tab strip, freeing up more usable space for web pages themselves. Mozilla removed the option from the base menu several years ago, which drew complaints from users. Now it’s back at the community’s request, and on small screens the compact layout can turn on automatically.

The developers also reworked the start page. Users can now easily pin and rearrange shortcuts to frequently visited sites in a dedicated area. The personalization menu gained a wider selection of color themes and background wallpapers, and all system icons and fonts were brought into a single style across every platform.

Trending Features Stay Optional

A key part of the redesign is that it doesn’t force new, complex features on anyone. Firefox includes tools that are popular today: vertical tabs, tab grouping and a Split View mode for viewing two sites side by side in one window. But as Engadget points out, these elements don’t take center stage in the interface. They’re within reach for users who actually need them, without cluttering the screen for the average user.

The same conservative approach applies to artificial intelligence. Unlike many competitors that hard-wire neural networks into the address bar, Firefox keeps AI strictly optional. The browser’s owner still decides whether to enable smart assistant features, which language model to use and whether to give algorithms access to the context of an open page.