Arc Browser Future: Sale or Open Source Considered - The Browser Company

The Browser Company Considers Future of Arc Browser

The Browser Company announced on Tuesday that it is evaluating options for its Arc Browser, including a potential sale or transition to an open-source project. This consideration arises as the company focuses its development efforts on a new, AI-powered browser named Dia.

Arc Browser's Challenges

When Dia was initially unveiled in December 2024, the company acknowledged that Arc presented a steep learning curve for many users. The goal with Dia is to create a browser with broader appeal.

Currently, The Browser Company continues to provide maintenance for Arc, addressing bugs and implementing security updates. However, active development of new features for Arc has been paused.

The "Novelty Tax" and Lack of Cohesion

According to CEO Josh Miller, a key issue with Arc was what he termed a “novelty tax.”

“For a majority of users, Arc proved too unconventional, demanding the acquisition of too many new skills for limited benefit,” Miller explained. Furthermore, the browser lacked a unified vision in both its fundamental features and underlying principles.

Miller noted that while its experimental nature was part of Arc’s appeal, it also contributed to its complexity.

Open-Sourcing Considerations

Although a complete shutdown of Arc is not planned, The Browser Company is exploring the possibility of selling the browser or releasing its source code publicly.

However, open-sourcing Arc presents a challenge. It is built upon the Arc Development Kit (ADK), an internal software development kit. The ADK is also a crucial component of the new Dia browser.

The company is hesitant to release the ADK, as it represents significant intellectual property.

“While we aspire to eventually open-source Arc, doing so effectively necessitates also open-sourcing the ADK. The ADK remains central to our company’s value, though this doesn’t preclude future open-sourcing efforts,” Miller stated.

User Demand for Open Source

It is worth noting that a significant number of Arc Browser users have actively requested that the company consider open-sourcing the project.

Dia Browser Status

The Dia browser is currently undergoing alpha testing. A wider release date has not yet been announced.

The Browser Company intends to initially offer access to Dia for testing to existing Arc members.