Mozilla Adds Optional Ad Blocker to Firefox for iOS in Progressive Rollout

Mozilla is rolling out an optional ad blocker in Firefox for iOS, disabled by default and using an EasyList-based filter to block third-party ad networks, ad-related trackers, and pop-ups, but it does not block ads in search results or sponsored content on Firefox Home or the New Tab Page. The feature is being introduced gradually, so not all users will see it immediately, and Mozilla notes that some ads may not be covered by the current filter list.

Mozilla Adds Optional Ad Blocker to Firefox for iOS in Progressive Rollout Mozilla https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/28/mozilla-adds-ai-generated-daily-crossword-to-firefox-new-tab-page-built-from-summarized-news/ is rolling out an optional ad blocker in Firefox for iOS. The feature is disabled by default and uses an EasyList-based filter to block ads before they load. It targets third-party ad networks, ad-related trackers, ads served by websites, and pop-ups or overlays. Since the rollout is gradual, not all users will see the feature right away. The blocker does not remove every ad, and some categories are left out. What Firefox's iOS Ad Blocker Blocks and Leaves Out The ad blocker relies on an EasyList-based filter to block ads before they load. It covers third-party ad networks, ad-related trackers, ads served by websites, and pop-ups or overlays. There are notable omissions. The feature does not block ads that appear in search results, including Google and Bing, and does not block sponsored content on Firefox Home or the New Tab Page. Mozilla also states that some websites serve ads in ways the current filter list does not cover. "Firefox blocks many third-party ads and advertising infrastructure, but not every advertisement can be blocked," the company says in its FAQ. "Some websites serve ads in ways that are not covered by the current filter list." Because of these omissions, users may find it less effective than alternatives like Wipr or Ghostery. The main advantage is convenience, as enabling the blocker only requires a single toggle in the app. Some users may be concerned about these exclusions. Mozilla receives a significant share of its revenue from Google and notes that not blocking ads in search results could raise questions, though it does not make a direct connection. Firefox is not the first iOS browser with ad blocking. Brave, for example, already includes several privacy and ad-blocking features. Firefox for iOS Ad Blocker Availability and Setup Since the feature is off by default and rolling out gradually, availability will differ between users. - Update Firefox for iOS to the latest version, as the feature is being introduced through a progressive rollout. - Go to the app settings and turn on ad blocking, since it is disabled by default. - Keep in mind that ads in search results and sponsored content on Firefox Home or the New Tab Page will still show up, as these are not blocked. The ad blocker is being introduced to Firefox for iOS through a progressive rollout, so it may not appear for every user immediately. Advertising in conversational AI is likely on the way, citing an Adblock Plus report warning that such ads can be generated on the fly and are harder for users to recognize, which may make browser-based ad blocking a more complex challenge over time. Mozilla has not stated when the rollout will reach all iOS users.