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Mozilla is set to give Firefox a noticeable visual overhaul with the release of Firefox 157, bringing softer shapes, rounded tabs, and a more consistent design across desktop and mobile. The update is part of Mozilla’s broader effort to refresh the browser without changing its core identity.
The new interface uses rounded elements throughout, including the tabs and address bar. Icons, spacing, and colors have also been updated, giving Firefox a more unified appearance across different parts of the browser.
Mozilla has described the redesign as a ‘renewal’ rather than a complete replacement of Firefox’s existing design. The company says the changes are intended to modernize the browser while maintaining performance.
Firefox 157 also gives users more ways to customize the browser. Mozilla has added new themes and wallpaper choices, with the refreshed color palette offering different looks for users who prefer either light or dark interfaces.
The redesign is not limited to appearance. Mozilla has also been working on making frequently used tools easier to reach, including tab groups, Split View, and vertical tabs.
According to the company, accessibility was considered as part of the redesign, including readability, contrast, focus states, keyboard navigation, and compatibility with different system settings.
One of the most noticeable additions for long-time Firefox users is the return of Compact Mode. The feature was brought back following requests from the Firefox community. Compact Mode reduces the space taken up by tabs, toolbars, and browser controls, leaving more room for the webpage itself.
Mozilla’s support documentation confirms that Firefox 157 now lets users enable Compact Mode directly in Settings, rather than relying on the older workaround. The option could be particularly useful on smaller displays or for people who prefer a less crowded browser interface.
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The visual redesign follows several other Firefox changes introduced over the past year, including improvements to the homepage, Split View, built-in VPN features, and controls that let users manage or disable Firefox’s AI features.
Mozilla has also been testing AI-powered browsing features, including Smart Window, as browser makers increasingly add AI tools to their products. At the same time, Firefox continues to offer controls that allow users to decide whether they want AI enhancements enabled.
With Firefox 157, Mozilla is therefore changing more than the browser’s appearance. The update brings a refreshed visual language, additional personalization, and the return of a long-requested compact layout while keeping the browser’s existing focus on user control.
