Here is what is new and changed in Firefox 77.0
Firefox 77.0 is the latest stable version of the Firefox web browser. It was first offered on June 2, 2020 as an in-browser upgrade and direct download from Mozilla's website.
All previous stable versions of the Firefox web browser, including Firefox 76.0 and 76.0.1, will be upgraded to the new version if automatic updates are enabled.
Other Firefox channels are also updated to new versions. Firefox Beta and Developer editions are moved to Firefox 78.0, Firefox Nightly is moved to Firefox 79.0, and Firefox ESR is upgraded to 68.9.
Firefox for Android is also updated to version 68.9.
The next stable version of Firefox is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2020.
Executive Summary
Firefox 77.0 download and update
The rollout of Firefox 77 starts on June 2, 2020. The new version will be pushed to Firefox installations automatically if automatic updating functionality is enabled.
Firefox users may run a manual check for updates by selecting Menu > Help > About Firefox. Note that the new version will only be picked up if Mozilla has released it already at that point.
The following pages list direct downloads for supported Firefox channels (will be available later on June 2, 2020)
Firefox 77.0 Changes
- Mozilla introduces support for optional permissions in Firefox.
- Certificates can now be managed on about:certificate.
Introduction of optional permissions
Mozilla introduces optional permissions in Firefox 77. These permissions won't trigger a permissions prompt anymore during installation or upgrade. The following permissions may be declared as optional by the developer:
- management
- devtools
- browsingData
- pkcs11
- proxy
- session
Mozilla provides two explanations for the move. First, that users were often overwhelmed by permission prompts, and second, that ignoring new permission requests during extension updates would leave users "stranded on older versions".
Optional permissions are listed in the manifest.json file under optional_permissions but are not displayed anymore during installations or upgrades.
Additionally, the unlimitedStorage permission no longer throws a permissions prompt during installation or update.
Developers may furthermore request some permissions during runtime; these are also listed under optional permissions but when they are needed, a permissions prompt is displayed. A basic example is the permission to look up geolocation information. When a user interacts with a map, a geolocation permission prompt could be displayed instead of asking for permission during installation of the extension.
Additional information is available on the Extension Workshop site.
Manage certificates on about:certificate
Firefox 77 users may load about:certificate in the browser to manage certificates in the browser. Firefox separates certificates into server and authorities on the page.
Options to display individual certificates as well as export them are provided.
Preference browser.urlbar.oneOffSearches has been removed
Firefox displays icons of enabled search engines in the address bar overlay that opens when a user starts to type. The user may click on these to run searches using these search engines.
Users who did not require the functionality could use the preference browser.urlbar.oneOffSearches to turn it off; this preference has been removed.
Mozilla suggests that users disable search engines under One-Click Search Engines on the about:preferences#search preferences page. The icons are removed entirely if you uncheck all search engines on the page.
Other changes
- Pocket Recommendations are now also available for users in the UK. Users who don't see the recommendations may need to enable recommendations on Firefox's New Tab page in the options.
- WebRender rollout continues on Windows. It is now available for Windows 10 laptops running Nvidia GPUs on medium (<= 3440x1440) and large screens (> 3440x1440).
- Firefox 77 won't truncate text exceeding max length to address password pasting issues
- Firefox 77 won't connect to non-domain address bar entries with periods anymore (will search instead)
- Mozilla adds Dynamic First Party Isolation option to Firefox 77
Firefox for Android
Mozilla lists "various stability and security fixes" without providing details.
Developer Changes
- New permissions.onAdded and permissions.onRemoved events to "react to permissions being granted or revoked".
- CSP header improvement when multiple add-ons modify content security policy headers. These are now merged to avoid functionality issues.
- Firefox Developer Edition features a Compatibility panel in the Developer Tools > Page Inspector that lists browser support for CSS properties used on the page.
- New WebExtensions API features for extension developers.
- JPEG images are rotated by default using Exif data.
- Application Cache storage has been removed.
- JavaScript debugging improvements makes loading and stepping through sources faster and less memory is used.
- Firefox accessibility improvements
- The applications list in Firefox Options is now accessible to screen reader users.
- Some live regions previously didn't report updated text with the JAWS screen reader. This issue has been fixed.
- Date/time inputs are now no longer missing labels for users of accessibility tools.
Known Issues
none listed.
Security updates / fixes
Security updates are revealed after the official release of the web browser. You find the information published here.
Additional information / sources
- Firefox 77 release notes
- Add-on compatibility for Firefox 77
- Firefox 77 for Developers
- Site compatibility for Firefox 77
- Firefox Security Advisories
- Firefox Release Schedule
