Firefox 138 Arrives with Smarter Profiles and a Modern Makeover

On April 29, 2025, Mozilla launched Firefox 138, a vibrant update that enhances how users organize their browsing, streamlines everyday tasks, and polishes the browser’s look and feel. With upgraded profile management, a weather widget in the address bar, and smarter autofill, this release makes Firefox more intuitive and tailored to modern needs. Available across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, Firefox 138 reinforces Mozilla’s commitment to a privacy-first, user-centric web experience. Here’s what’s new, why it matters, and how to dive into its features.

A Cleaner Way to Browse: Enhanced Profile Management

For anyone juggling work, school, or personal projects, Firefox 138’s revamped profile management is a standout. Profiles let users maintain separate browsing environments—each with its own bookmarks, tabs, history, and extensions. The update introduces a sleek manager where you can name profiles (e.g., “Work,” “Gaming”), assign avatars, and choose color themes for instant recognition. Switching profiles is now as smooth as changing apps, making it easier to keep your digital life organized.

This feature brings Firefox closer to competitors like Chrome, which have long offered polished profile-switching interfaces. As tech blogs have noted, it’s a significant step in closing the usability gap while preserving Mozilla’s privacy edge. Whether you’re a remote worker siloing tasks or a student separating research from leisure, profile management is a productivity booster.

Weather in a Click

U.S. users will love Firefox 138’s new address bar weather widget. Type “weather” or a city name, and the dropdown shows real-time forecasts—temperature, conditions, and more—marked with a “sponsored” tag. This progressive rollout builds on Firefox’s smart address bar, which already handles calculations and search engine swaps, saving users a trip to a weather site for quick updates.

Sleek Design and Smarter Forms

Windows 11 users get a visual treat: Firefox 138’s popup menus now feature an acrylic-style finish, aligning with the OS’s modern aesthetic. This look can be toggled via the widget.windows.mica.popups preference for those who prefer a classic style. Across all platforms, autofill has been supercharged to handle dynamic forms—like those that reveal new fields after selecting a country—making online shopping and sign-ups faster and less error-prone.

Mobile and Developer Enhancements

Android users gain TLS client authentication certificate support, ideal for secure enterprise logins, and can now share files or URLs directly from the Downloads screen. Android tablets default to desktop mode for a richer experience. On iOS, the password generator now supports all languages and regions, creating strong, unique passwords effortlessly.

Developers benefit from new tools, including a Network panel column for full request URL paths, support for import map integrity fields to secure module imports, and Error.isError for improved JavaScript error handling. The Clear-Site-Data header’s cache directive also strengthens privacy by clearing network caches during website logouts.

Why Firefox 138 Shines

Following the introduction of vertical tabs in Firefox 136 and tab groups in 137, Firefox 138 continues Mozilla’s streak of delivering highly requested features. As Chrome commands over 60% of the browser market, Mozilla’s focus on usability and privacy keeps Firefox a compelling alternative. The profile manager empowers users to compartmentalize their online lives, while weather and autofill upgrades save time. Mobile and developer tools ensure Firefox remains versatile for all users.

Community feedback on X praises the update’s polish, with users calling the profile manager “a lifesaver” for multitasking and the weather widget “surprisingly handy.” Firefox 138 proves Mozilla can innovate without compromising its open-source, user-first ethos.

How to Use Firefox 138: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to explore Firefox 138? Here’s how to leverage its key features.

Option 1: Set Up and Manage Profiles

1. Access the Profile Manager:
   • On Windows, macOS, or Linux, open Firefox, type about:profiles in the address bar, and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, launch Firefox with the -p parameter (e.g., firefox -p in a terminal).
2. Create a Profile:
   • Click “Create a New Profile,” name it (e.g., “Work,” “Personal”), and follow the prompts.
   • Add an avatar and color theme for quick identification.
3. Switch Profiles:
   • From about:profiles, select a profile and click “Launch profile in new browser.”
   • Or, use the profile selector at startup for multiple profiles.
4. Organize Your Browsing:
   • Each profile keeps bookmarks, tabs, history, and extensions separate. Customize each for specific tasks.

Option 2: Use the Weather Widget (U.S. Users)

1. Trigger the Forecast:
   • In the address bar, type “weather” or a city (e.g., “Seattle weather”).
   • Check the dropdown for a forecast, marked “sponsored.”
2. Refine Results:
   • Try queries like “Boston weather tomorrow” for specific forecasts.
   • Click the suggestion for detailed weather partner site information.

Option 3: Customize Autofill and Appearance

1. Enable Autofill:
   • Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Forms & Autofill.
   • Enable “Autofill addresses” and “Autofill credit cards,” then add your details.
   • Test on a dynamic form (e.g., an e-commerce checkout) to see improved field handling.
2. Adjust Windows 11 Styling:
   • Type about:config in the address bar, search for widget.windows.mica.popups, and set to false to disable acrylic menus.

Pro Tips

• Android Sharing: From the Downloads screen, tap a file, select “Share,” and send via apps like email or messaging.
• Report Issues: Use the “Report broken site” option in the hamburger menu to flag website compatibility problems.
• Password Generator (iOS): Enable in Settings > Passwords to auto-generate strong passwords in any language.

Getting Started

Firefox 138 is available for Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Download it from Mozilla’s website or update via Settings > General > Firefox Updates. Linux users can access 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM64 builds through Mozilla’s FTP server. The update rolls out automatically for existing users.

The Verdict

Firefox 138 is a polished, practical update that enhances productivity and user experience while staying true to Mozilla’s privacy roots. Whether you’re organizing profiles, checking the weather, or coding the web, it’s a release that makes browsing smarter and more personal.