Tor Browser 16.0 Adds Native ARM Linux Support
The update aligns the browser with Firefox 153 ESR and introduces a redesigned settings interface for all platforms.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Computers
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The Tor Project has released Tor Browser 16.0, an update built on Mozilla Firefox 153 ESR. This release introduces native 64-bit ARM support for Linux and a significant overhaul of the browser's settings interface.
Why it matters
This update modernizes the browser architecture and interface, aligning the platform with current upstream Firefox standards while expanding hardware compatibility for AArch64 Linux systems.
Tor Browser 16.0 is built upon Mozilla Firefox 153 ESR. It introduces native AArch64 (64-bit ARM) support for Linux and migrates the Android application interface to the Jetpack Compose framework while maintaining a package size under the 100 MB Google Play limit.
The players
Tor Project
A non-profit organization that develops free, open-source software to enable online anonymity and privacy.
Mozilla Firefox
An open-source web browser platform that provides the underlying architecture and Extended Support Release (ESR) base for the Tor Browser.
The details
The settings panel has been completely redesigned, retiring the legacy General settings page in favor of specific categories including Appearance, Downloads, Tabs, Accessibility, and Languages. Connection and Security Level components have been rebuilt from scratch to improve stability. On mobile, the Android version's transition to Jetpack Compose—a modern toolkit for building native Android UIs—provides a foundation for future Material Design 3 updates.
Timeline
June 2026: Firefox released a parallel settings page redesign.
October 29, 2026: Tor Project released Tor Browser 16.0.
The Tech Race
Tor Browser 16.0 synchronizes its settings architecture with the design changes implemented in the June 2026 Firefox release. This update brings the browser's interface into parity with modern upstream browser standards.
Users on 64-bit ARM Linux machines gain native browser support for improved efficiency. Android users will see a refreshed interface, with future updates slated to bring additional Material Design 3 visual elements.
The takeaway
The transition to Jetpack Compose on Android and the native ARM support for Linux mark a significant modernization of the Tor ecosystem. Users should track subsequent releases for the promised rollout of Material Design 3 features across the Android application.
Further reading
For broader technical context on browser standards, explore the Computers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 9to5Linux.
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