In a move celebrated by privacy advocates and Linux enthusiasts alike, Zen Browser—the minimalist, open-source browser known for its speed and simplicity—has rolled out a significant update. The latest release, codenamed "Twilight," not only rebases Zen on Mozilla Firefox’s newest engine but also tackles longstanding performance issues on Linux, delivering a smoother experience across the board.
What’s New Under the Hood?
Zen’s shift to Firefox’s latest core brings tangible benefits: enhanced security patches, improved CSS/JavaScript rendering, and better compatibility with modern web standards. But the real star of this update is its Linux optimization. Users previously reported lag, high memory usage, and rendering glitches on distributions like Ubuntu and Arch—issues now resolved thanks to Zen’s overhauled graphics stack and streamlined process management.
"Linux support isn’t an afterthought for us—it’s a priority," lead developer Elena Rivera noted in the release notes. "We’ve rewritten our compositor integration and fine-tuned resource allocation to match the nuances of different desktop environments."
Benchmarks Show Gains
Early tests reveal dramatic improvements:
- 40% faster page loads on Ubuntu with GNOME.
- 30% less memory consumption on resource-constrained devices.
- Silky-smooth scrolling even on complex sites like Figma or WebGL-heavy applications.
Get the Update
Ready to experience the upgrade? The Twilight release is available for download now:
→ Grab it directly from GitHub (supports .deb, .rpm, and AppImage).
For a full breakdown of fixes and features, check out the:
→ Detailed release notes.
Why It Matters
While Chromium-based browsers dominate, Zen’s commitment to Firefox’s Gecko engine offers a privacy-first alternative without sacrificing performance. This update narrows the gap between Linux and Windows/macOS experiences—proving open-source tools can compete head-to-head with Big Tech’s offerings.
Looking Ahead
The Zen team hints at a roadmap focused on vertical tabs, enhanced tracker blocking, and Wayland support. For now, Twilight marks a milestone: proving that lightweight doesn’t mean lightweight on features.
*Platform availability: Windows, macOS, and Linux (x64/ARM).*
Cover image credit: Zen Browser Project. Want to contribute? Visit their GitHub.
🎉 One year of Zen.
— Zen (@zen_browser) July 12, 2025
A huge thank you to our open-source community for being part of the journey.
Year two will be even bigger with Control Flow, Folders, and lots of powerful new features on the way.
We're just getting started! pic.twitter.com/0OY9MFkHaD
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