Mobile/Firefox for iOS/Program Overview

Project Overview

Our goal in developing Firefox for iOS is to reach users who have chosen iOS as their mobile platform of choice. We will provide a browsing experience that leverages connected Firefox features in order to provide delight to both existing and new users.

We will follow a phased approach in deploying features and functionality to the product, all of which have dependencies on other groups for implementation including Firefox Accounts, Firefox Cloud Services, Firefox Desktop and Firefox for Android.

We are still developing, experimenting and iterating on the designs and implementation, so bear with us and ask questions.

Product Definition

The product will be split into phases. Initially, the product experience will be focused on leveraging the utility of a user's existing Firefox data as it pertains to the current sync implementation, with the ability to view that data within the iOS WebView framework. The user will then be able to complete further simple browsing activities, all within the Firefox context.

In addition, to provide further value to the experience for existing users - and also expose new users to new Firefox services - initial Task Continuity improvements are also targeted for inclusion. This includes a cloud-based reading list experience and being able to send browser tabs between Firefox browsers attached to the same Firefox Account.

Although initially the browser will include the fundamentals for Firefox browsing based on WKWebView made available in iOS 8, the browser will become more full featured over the next several roadmapped major releases. The goal for the first release is to ensure that users can browse the data they share across their Firefox browsers, as well as manage simple browsing tasks.

Product Phases

Go to this wiki page for a view of how the product will evolve, including which browser features and functionality are being worked on to support our v1 launch.

Key Feature Descriptions

Go to this wiki page for descriptions for key features.

Browser Evolution

A balance needs to be struck in order to provide a mobile Firefox experience in line with basic expectations for our initial target audience, along with time-to-market needs. Parity with the current Firefox for Android will not be possible with the first launch of the iOS version, but it must still feel like a Firefox experience. Current working document for the browser functionality is currently available to Mozilla employees only initially whilst the definition gets locked down.

Test Program

We are currently working out the logistics to support a Dogfooding program within the Apple framework (deployment and support works differently then how we deploy beta in Google Play for Android, so bear with us). More information to come.

Cross-Team Coordination

A rudimentary spreadsheet to be used as a central discussion point across teams that detail open questions. Once answers have been discussed, they'll be transferred to the wiki.

Points of Contact

A non-exhaustive list - just the main points of contact who can point you to the right direction if needed!

• Product lead: Karen Rudnitski
• Front-End Engineering lead: Mark Finkle
• UX lead: Darrin Henein