The European Union's Digital Markets Act requires large platforms to display browser choice screens on mobile devices. Since March 2024, Firefox has been selected more than six million times on these screens. Mozilla's data indicates that these users have a retention rate five times higher than average, demonstrating the impact of the measure on digital competition.
The DMA effect varies by operating system 📊
The increase in Firefox's daily active users differs notably between platforms. On iOS, the increase reaches 113% compared to what was expected without the DMA, while on Android it is only 12%. Mozilla attributes this difference to the fact that on iOS, Safari came pre-installed without a real alternative, whereas Android already allowed some browser switching. The organization considers the measure positive but insufficient, and calls for a similar system on computers, especially Windows.
Microsoft, the choice screen that never arrives 🍏
Mozilla celebrates the six million clicks, but points out that on desktop, things are different. Windows still does not offer a browser choice screen, so Edge remains the default for those who don't know there is anything beyond the blue icon. It's like if at the fruit shop they only let you see apples and then ask if you want to try a pear. The answer is usually: pear, what's that.