2004 founded Wavering
browsers · mozilla.org
Firefox
something is at the door
21 years 284 days and counting
Firefox 1.0 on 9 Nov 2004. It saved the web from IE. Chrome took the trophy.
Why it lasted
- It is the last major browser engine that is not Chromium or WebKit, and that matters even when share is small.
- A generation still installs it as a conscience.
Times it almost ended
- Chrome launched in 2008 and ate the web. Firefox went from default-killer to single digits.
- Mozilla's identity crisis (pocket, VPN, mascots, layoffs) keeps looking like a prelude.
What would finish it
- Share so low that sites stop testing it, plus Google money for search default going away. Both are in motion.
Questions
Is Firefox still up?
Yes, with a Wavering verdict: something is at the door. Founded 2004.
How long has Firefox been around?
Firefox has been up since 2004-11-09.
Why did Firefox survive?
It is the last major browser engine that is not Chromium or WebKit, and that matters even when share is small.
Could Firefox still die?
Share so low that sites stop testing it, plus Google money for search default going away. Both are in motion.