As Google concludes its backing for traditional extensions in the Chrome web browser for a broader audience, numerous browser developers have vowed to uphold compatibility with Manifest V2 extensions.
In 2023, Mozilla declared that its Firefox browser would persist in supporting both traditional and modern extensions simultaneously. Other browser firms, such as Brave Software and Opera Software, have also committed to maintaining support for at least some traditional extensions.
This week, Mozilla reaffirmed its commitment to future extension support for Firefox on the organization’s official blog.
In conclusion: Firefox will simultaneously support both Manifest V2 and V3 extensions in the future. Mozilla contends that this approach provides developers with greater adaptability and “creative opportunities.”
This plan guarantees that Manifest V3 extensions will continue to be compatible with the open-source browser, enabling users to keep accessing their traditional extensions. Essentially, it allows users to benefit from both older and newer extensions while providing developers the choice to either continue using Manifest V2 for their extensions or transition to the updated Manifest V3 framework.
Manifest V3 is controversial
From the outset, Google has maintained that Manifest V3 was designed to enhance both the security and performance of extensions and the browser itself. The initial proposals indicated significant changes that heavily impacted content blockers.
Google ultimately recognized widespread criticism and returned to the drawing board several times to alleviate the proposed changes. The implementation of Manifest V3 has faced numerous setbacks, partly due to these modifications.
At present, Google has revised Manifest V3 to deliver improved functionality for content blockers, a modification executed in response to substantial feedback from developers, publications, and users alike.
Despite these improvements, Manifest V3 still lacks the functionalities provided by Manifest V2, particularly concerning content blockers. Raymond Hill, the creator of the popular content blocker uBlock Origin, developed a less efficient version of the extension for Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers during this transitional period.
Prior to these modifications, he noted that the Firefox version of the extension offered superior content blocking performance. With the introduction of Manifest V3, this advantage has increasingly favored Mozilla’s browser.
Going forward, Firefox users will reap the benefits of both realms regarding extensions. They will continue to utilize their beloved traditional extensions while also being able to install and take advantage of any extensions crafted on the new framework.
In contrast, Chrome users will only have access to new extensions. Although content blockers are still offered for Chrome, they presently provide fewer functionalities compared to their traditional versions. To access the complete capabilities of traditional content blockers, users will need to switch to a browser that maintains support for these extensions.
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