The visual refresh brings new light and dark themes. Users will be able to change the appearance of the browser with built-in options. In addition, compact mode reduces the space between the toolbar and tabs. Mozilla states that this option will leave more page space for those on small screens or using windows side by side. This difference, which seems small on a wide monitor, may be more noticeable on a laptop.
The side panel is also at the center of the update. Mozilla says it is now rolling out the new side panel to all users. People using the previous layout will retain a similar panel structure; The panel switcher will remain in the upper section. On the other hand, the “Show side panel” option in Settings has been removed. There is a temporary about:config setting for those who prefer the old side panel version, but this setting also turns off vertical tabs and will be available by the end of 2027.
Firefox 157 doesn’t just change the look. It becomes possible to hardware decode AV1 videos for WebRTC video calls on compatible hardware. Thus, the load on the processor may be reduced in some calls. Mozilla also reports that it has fixed an issue that caused the image from phones and tablets to appear sideways or upside down in WebRTC conversations. Some HDR videos appearing faded in Windows and the taskbar remaining open in full-screen video are among the fixed issues.
What else changes in Firefox 157 in daily use?
When you press the Tab key in the address bar, the focus now moves directly to the text field; Shift+Tab can be used to reach the search engine button. This small adjustment may change the habit of users who only work with the keyboard. Additionally, Amazon has been removed from the browser’s list of built-in search engines. Those who want to use it can re-add Amazon as a private search engine.
If the browser is set to save encryption keys, Mozilla will indicate this with a warning in the site information panel and in Settings. Such a configuration could lead to other software on the computer being able to read normally encrypted web traffic. This warning does not mean a new problem will arise for everyone; It helps the user to notice the situation in systems with this setting.
In Firefox 157, address bar suggestions are available in 16 more European countries; Türkiye is not included in this list. The changes announced by Mozilla complement Nova’s visual innovation with usage area, accessibility and security fixes. The update is available in the stable channel of desktop Firefox. Whether the new view is suitable for your personal working order will depend on your habit of using tabs and side panels.