Opera Browser Gains Major iPhone User Growth In The US And UK

More people with iPhones are looking past Safari and picking a different option to browse the web. Opera recently shared that its mobile application saw a massive jump in monthly active users during the second quarter of 2026. The company recorded a 50 percent increase in the United States and a 93 percent jump in the United Kingdom compared to the same period last year.

Looking at overall mobile growth for both iOS and Android, the browser saw active users jump by 66 percent in the UK and 40 percent in the US.

New features keep mobile users hooked on the browser platform

Much of this recent momentum comes from a software update that makes the app much easier to use. Opera introduced a new synchronization system for its iOS version. This tool allows users to instantly share their tabs, saved bookmarks, and passwords between a desktop computer and an iPhone.

The company also added quick media controls right inside the tab view. You can easily spot which page is playing audio and quickly mute or unmute the sound without clicking through multiple screens.

Artificial intelligence tools play a big role in keeping people around. The built in assistant can now handle image prompts and file uploads straight from a mobile phone. Along with these new updates, the company points out that a free virtual private network and a built in ad blocker are major reasons why people decide to keep using the app long term.

This growth builds on a wave of new users from Europe. Last year, new digital market rules forced Apple to show a browser choice screen on its devices. That change helped the alternative browser grow 42 percent across Europe. Now, that same energy is clearly spilling over into the US and UK markets.

The internet landscape is shifting, and people are proving they will stick with a third-party option if it offers the right mix of privacy and smart tools.