The creators of Arc are now developing a second browser that’s much simpler.

Renard Opoku

The Browser Company is working on a new browser they hope will better organize and enhance users’ internet experience, with fresh takes on how tabs function and how the browser can actively assist the user. CEO Josh Miller recently discussed this new project, which isn’t Arc—the company’s focus over the last five years—or even Arc 2.0, which he’s publicly talked about before. Instead, it’s a completely new browser aimed at fulfilling The Browser Company’s original vision for the future of web browsers.

Arc has grown rapidly, with its user base quadrupling this year, yet the team has come to realize it won’t ever reach mainstream adoption. It’s proven too complex and unfamiliar for most people. Miller says Arc’s appeal lies with “power users” who love its unique features, like the sidebar and customizable spaces. These users now primarily want improvements in speed, stability, and security rather than new features.

This left The Browser Company at a crossroads: they could keep adding to Arc, risking alienation of its loyal users without gaining new ones, or they could start fresh. Miller emphasizes that Arc isn’t being abandoned. It’ll continue receiving maintenance updates, though major new developments will slow as the company pivots to building something entirely new.

Reflecting on Arc’s journey, Miller describes it as a great tool for managing tabs and organizing the browsing experience, but it ultimately suffered from performance issues that diverted the company’s focus. Now, The Browser Company is returning to its core mission to develop a next-generation browser that could reach a broader audience.

TAGGED:
Leave a comment