Mozilla Firefox is taking a distinctive approach to the AI browser race by offering users more choice rather than building a completely new platform. The company has officially integrated Perplexity AI into its browser, allowing users to replace their default search engine with an AI-powered, conversational alternative. This integration brings an enhanced search experience where results are presented as direct answers with verified citations — a departure from the conventional list of web links. The feature is now available globally on Firefox desktop, with mobile support expected in the coming months.
The move follows strong user feedback from early trials conducted in the U.S., U.K., and Germany. Mozilla’s decision to scale the feature globally underscores the growing appetite for trustworthy AI-driven search tools that combine intelligence with transparency. The Perplexity search option appears within the unified search button in the browser’s address bar, and users can easily make it their default search engine via Firefox settings.
Mozilla also emphasized that Perplexity aligns with its long-standing commitment to user privacy — a key differentiator in the current AI ecosystem. The company assured users that Perplexity respects privacy and does not share or sell personal data, reinforcing Mozilla’s position as one of the few major browsers prioritizing ethical AI adoption.
Beyond AI search, Firefox is also introducing browser profiles for all users, a long-awaited feature that allows seamless switching between customized environments — such as work, study, or personal use — without interference between sessions. Each profile can retain its own extensions, bookmarks, and settings, creating a personalized yet secure browsing experience.
This twin rollout — integrating AI search and enabling multi-profile browsing — represents a strategic shift for Mozilla. By blending AI-driven innovation with strong privacy protections and usability, Firefox is carving out a unique position in an increasingly crowded browser landscape. As competitors race to embed generative AI into their platforms, Mozilla’s approach emphasizes choice, control, and trust, giving users both smarter tools and greater autonomy in how they interact with the web.
