Firefox 83 gets HTTPS-only mode and 15 percent JavaScript boost

Mozilla published version 83 of the Firefox browser. First up, the new version promises to execute JavaScript up to 15 percent faster thanks to enhancements to the SpiderMonkey JavaScript engine. Furthermore, besides the faster pageloads, memory usage is reduced by up to 8 percent.

Firefox keeps getting faster as a result of significant updates to SpiderMonkey, our JavaScript engine, you will now experience improved page load performance by up to 15%, page responsiveness by up to 12%, and reduced memory usage by up to 8%. We have replaced part of the JavaScript engine that helps to compile and display websites for you, improving security and maintainability of the engine at the same time.

There are some new features too. The most interesting one is the addition of an HTTPS-only mode. When this feature is activated, Firefox will automatically redirect to HTTPS when you visit a website. When no secure connection is available, the browser will offer a warning with an option to continue. In the HTTPS mode, site assets that are loaded over HTTP like images will be blocked.

Support for pinch-to-zoom has been added for Windows touchscreens and touchpads, as well as macOS touchpads. Speaking about Mac, Mozilla is currently testing a nightly build with native support for Apple's M1 SoC.

You can find the full release notes over here.