Opera has officially launched its redesigned Opera One browser on iOS, transitioning from the beta phase to a stable release. The updated browser boasts several new features, including a bottom-placed search bar for easier browsing, quick search suggestions while typing, and integration with the Aria AI assistant.
The bottom-placed search bar is the default setting, but users have the flexibility to switch to Standard Navigation or Fast Action Button styles. Additionally, users can swipe down to bring up the search bar, similar to the Spotlight search function on iOS.
While typing a query in the search engine, users typically receive autocomplete options. Opera has enhanced this feature by providing its own autocomplete suggestions in chipsets below the search box, speeding up the search process.
The company has also made subtle design changes to the browser. When scrolling through a page, the bottom and top bars will automatically hide to provide a full-screen view. Furthermore, the color of the top status bar will now match the theme of the website being visited.
Opera is replacing its old newsfeed with a new carousel view that includes personalized news, live scores, and product tips. This new layout aims to offer a more engaging and customized user experience.
In May 2023, Opera introduced its AI-powered assistant, Aria, which was integrated into the iOS version in August 2023. With the Opera One release, Aria now includes voice input and image generation capabilities, enhancing its functionality.
According to app analytics firm Sensor Tower, the Opera browser has been downloaded over 50 million times on iOS since 2020. However, its year-on-year growth has slowed, with download increases of 58%, 25%, and 4% for 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. The European Union remains Opera’s largest market, and recent regulatory changes requiring iOS to offer a browser choice screen have led to a significant 122% increase in downloads in Q2 2024.
With these updates, Opera aims to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly browsing experience on iOS, leveraging AI capabilities and streamlined navigation features to meet the evolving needs of its users.
