Firefox used to be the go-to choice for people seeking a private, fast, and hassle-free browsing experience. Opinions are now mixed, with some users still swearing by it while others have moved on.
The recent news about Mozilla’s lifeline being saved is a positive sign, giving Firefox a chance to continue evolving and improving the browsing experience.
Unfortunately, there is some bad news for users running 32-bit Linux.
What's Happening: Mozilla has recently announced that Firefox will end support for 32-bit Linux versions starting with version 145, expected in 2026. The last 32-bit build, version 144, will still be available for users running older systems.
The blog also touches on the reasoning behind the move:
For many years, Mozilla has continued to provide Firefox for 32-bit Linux systems long after most other browsers and operating systems ended support. We made this choice because we care deeply about keeping Firefox available to as many people as possible, helping our users extend the life of their hardware and reduce unnecessary obsolescence.
This change affects those on older hardware and distributions that only support the 32-bit architecture. While the transition is planned well in advance, it marks a broader move towards focusing on 64-bit only.
What to Expect: If you are someone who is going to be affected by this, then you can choose to use Firefox ESR 140, which will continue receiving security updates for 32-bit Linux until September 2026.
After that, no new features or official updates will be available for 32-bit builds. Users may notice some sites or extensions stop working over time as compatibility work stays focused on 64-bit systems.
For those who want a long-term 32-bit solution, alternative browsers like Basilisk or LibreWolf (have to build from source) still offer 32-bit Linux builds and focus on privacy. These options let users continue browsing securely without upgrading hardware.
Switching early ensures you maintain access to up-to-date security protections while exploring browsers that respect privacy and support older systems.
Here's why you should opt for It's FOSS Plus Membership:
- Even the biggest players in the Linux world don't care about desktop Linux users. We do. - We don't put informational content behind paywall. Your support keeps it open for everyone. Think of it like 'pay it forward'. - Don't like ads? With the Plus membership, you get an ad-free reading experience. - When millions of AI-generated content is being published daily, you read and learn from real human Linux users. - It costs just $2 a month, less than the cost of your favorite burger.
Become a Plus Member today and join over 300 people in supporting our work.
Marco Carmona
