For the past year,
Opera has experienced unprecedented momentum on iPhone . In Europe, the Norwegian browser has seen a surge in usage, driven by a more open regulatory framework and a clear product strategy.
What if 2025 marked a turning point for this historic challenger against Safari and Google Chrome?
DMA paves the way for new competition on iOS
The implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 2024 has changed the game for alternative browsers, and Apple must now display a choice screen when Safari is first launched , allowing iPhone users to select their default browser. This seemingly insignificant move appears to have completely reshuffled the deck for Opera.
In a recent press release , Opera announced an 88% increase in its daily active users on iOS in Europe in just one year. In France, the phenomenon is even more pronounced: the user base has reportedly increased fivefold. These figures confirm a trend that was already noticeable, with an initial growth of 57% in the first year of the DMA (Daily Active Directory).
Moreover, since 2024, third-party players have been able to use their own ” rendering engine “, a technical freedom that facilitates the addition of in-house features such as a free integrated VPN, embedded AI, or even a more innovative interface, as embodied by Opera One .
Product innovation and a clear strategy: Opera’s recipe?
While the DMA plays an obvious role, Opera insists and asserts that its growth is not solely based on regulation .
In this regard, Jørgen Arnesen , Executive Vice President Mobile, points out that the company has been preparing this renewal for two years, by reinventing its browser for iOS and injecting its flagship features into it.
The results are also reflected in the financial figures. In the last quarter, Opera posted $152 million in revenue , a 23% year-over-year increase. Searches conducted via the browser also grew by 17%, indicating that new usage patterns are directly translating into improved performance.
This trajectory is part of a market where other browsers, such as Brave , also benefit from DMA with 100 million users . However, Opera adopts a unique stance , and while Apple openly criticizes the European law and claims that it undermines innovation and security, the Norwegian company does not hesitate to praise this new transparency imposed on platforms.
A new impetus for a market that has long been locked down?
With nearly two years of continuous growth, an iOS audience that is becoming its most dynamic platform and record adoption in several European countries, Opera is entering a decisive phase .
The mobile market remains highly competitive, but the combination of a more open environment and a strengthened product identity offers new opportunities. It remains to be seen whether this European surge can be sustained.