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Opera Mobile
Opera Mobile
Opera Mobile
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Opera Mobile
DeveloperOpera
Stable release
76.2.4027.73374 Edit this on Wikidata / 28 June 2023
Preview release
76.0.4027.73226 Edit this on Wikidata / 20 June 2023
EnginePresto until 12.16
WebKit for 14
Blink from 15.0
PlatformAndroid[1]
Maemo[2]
MeeGo[2]
S60[1]
Windows Mobile[3]
Windows[2]
TypeMobile browser
LicenseFreeware
Websitewww.opera.com/mobile

Opera Mobile is a mobile web browser for smartphones, tablets and PDAs developed by Opera.

History

[edit]

The first devices to run a mobile edition of Opera were the Psion Series 5, Psion Series 5mx, Psion Series 7, and then Psion netBook. They ran Opera Mobile 3.6, released in 2000.[4][5]

Opera Mobile was ported to the Windows Mobile operating system in 2003.[5]

  • Version 6.0 was the initial release.
  • On June 25, 2003, the first update came in the form of version 6.01, which was a minor update, mainly correcting bugs.
  • Version 6.10, released on October 27, 2003, introduced several user interface and usability improvements, considerably optimized performance, and slightly improved page rendering. It was also the first version to support proxy servers, WAP pages, and the first one to be released in localized versions for 9 different languages.
  • On July 13, 2005, almost two years after the previous iteration, version 8.0 was launched. This version was the first to require Symbian OS 7 (previous ones could function in Symbian 6.1). This version introduced the Opera Mobile Accelerator, a technology that uses an Opera-run external server to slim-down the pages' content to reduce the traffic to the phones. This was also the first version to support dynamic HTML, and greatly improved compatibility with several web standards.
  • On November 14, 2005, version 8.5 was introduced. This version introduced password management and form auto-filling functionality, added some more languages for localized versions, and made some improvements to stability and reduced-screen rendering quality.
  • On April 5, 2006, version 8.6 was released and was also the first version to support Symbian OS 9. New to this version is the ability to support multiple browsing windows, support for Scalable Vector Graphics, introduction of URL autocompletion as well as several changes in the customization aspect. It was also the first version of Opera Mobile that allowed for the possibility to configure it as the device's default browser, allowing it to be launched whenever a web page was requested to be opened.
  • Version 8.65 was released on August 29, 2006, which was mostly a welcome makeover and optimization to the then considered mature 8.60.
  • Opera Mobile 9.0 was announced in February 2007 with a planned feature list, "coming soon" banners in the official Opera Mobile website, and official announcements in Opera's Community Forum.[6] With no reason given, version 9.0 was cancelled, all references to it swept from Opera's site and 8.65 went back to being the latest version, being given a very slight refresh in the form of a new build that offered a handful of hardly-noticeable features, some of them platform-dependent.
  • On February 5, 2008, Opera Mobile 9.5 was announced.[7] The date for its expected release was pushed back several times. A beta test version for Windows Mobile was released on July 17, 2008, followed by a second beta release on October 20, 2008, including support for Opera Widgets, and adding Symbian UIQ3 as a further platform. (The last released version of Opera Mobile for Symbian S60 remains 8.65.)
  • On March 26, 2009, Opera announced that the next release version would be 9.7, with changes in the Presto layout engine, not 9.5. On June 8, 2009, Opera Mobile 9.7 beta was made available, with the new Presto 2.2 rendering engine and Opera Turbo. Other features planned for the 9.7 release were an improved Widget manager, Google Gears, and OpenGL ES support.
  • On November 2, 2009, Opera Mobile 10 beta for Symbian S60 was made available for download, with a revised user interface and performance enhancements. On December 10, 2009, it was released to operators and OEMs. It included Opera's new, cross-platform UI framework that unifies the look and feel of the browser across all platforms running Opera Mobile or Opera Mini.[3] On February 12, 2010, Opera Mobile 10 beta 3 was publicly released for Windows Mobile and Symbian devices, with support for Flash Lite 3.1, better recognition for third-party input solutions in Windows Mobile, and support for Windows Mobile Standard (non-touchscreen) handsets.[3] On March 16, 2010, Opera Software released the final versions of Opera Mobile 10.
The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, running Opera Mobile 10.1 Beta
  • On May 11, 2010, Opera labs released a preview build of Opera Mobile 10 for Maemo, with the same features available in Opera Mobile 10 for other platforms, but using Opera's new Carakan JavaScript engine (codenamed) and the new Vega vector graphics library.[8] Opera Mobile 10 was the last version for Windows Mobile (as distinct from its successor Windows Phone).[9]
  • On October 15, 2010, Opera Software released the first Android build, Opera Mobile 10.1 Beta for Android.
  • On March 22, 2011, Opera Software released Opera Mobile 11 for Android and Symbian S60;[1] Maemo, MeeGo, and Windows.[2]
  • On February 27, 2012, Opera Software released Opera Mobile 12 for Android, Symbian/S60, Maemo (labs), and MeeGo (labs) smartphones.
  • In July 2013, Opera Software released Opera Mobile 15 for Android, based on Chromium.[10] The interface was heavily redesigned. Some features such as bookmarks were removed, and others such as a Discover function on the Home Page added.
  • In September 2013, Opera Software released Opera Mobile 16 for Android, with an updated Chromium engine and some performance improvements.[11]

Features

[edit]

Opera Mobile used the Presto layout engine until version 15, which was replaced by WebKit, then Blink and supports many web standards, as well as Ajax.[12] As of version 9.7, it can use Opera Turbo that compresses web pages via Opera Software's "Turbo" servers, thus reducing download size. Because web pages are compressed, page loading times are improved, and bandwidth consumption is reduced by up to 80%.[13]

The browser can dynamically reformat web pages for a small screen, using Opera's Small Screen Rendering (SSR) technology and text-wrapping.

Opera Mobile 10 includes a "Speed Dial" feature, which allows the user to add links shown as thumbnail images in a page displayed when a new tab is opened. Once set up, this feature allows the user to more easily navigate to the selected web pages, and visual tabs, that allow the browsing multiple Web sites at one time. It also includes a password manager and pop-up handler, and it supports copy and paste, address auto-complete, zooming, history, and bookmarks (removed in Opera Mobile 15).

The browser can be used by either using finger-touch, a stylus on a touchscreen or with a keypad and can be displayed in portrait and landscape mode.

Other versions

[edit]

Opera Mini

[edit]
Main article: Opera Mini

Opera Mini is a mobile web browser exclusively for Android, targeted at low-end devices and lower bandwidth connections. Initially released in 2005, it was derived from the Opera web browser. In March 2012, Opera Mini had 168.8 million active users.[14] In February 2013, Opera reported 300 million unique active Opera Mini users and 150 billion page views served during that month. This represented an increase of 25 million users from September 2012.[15]

Opera Touch

[edit]

Opera Touch is a discontinued web browser exclusively for Android since 2021.[16][17] Initially released in 2018, it was created primarily for single-handed use.[18] In March 2021, in celebration of the three-year anniversary of the browser, the iOS version was rebranded to simply Opera.[16][17] It was also given a new, refurbished UI.[19]

Opera Coast

[edit]
Main article: Opera Coast

Opera Coast is a discontinued web browser developed for the iPad on September 9, 2013, and the iPhone version followed on April 24, 2014, it was created primarily for touch while traditional browser buttons such as tabs, bookmarks, etc., are replaced by gestures. Coast was discontinued and removed from the App Store in August 2017 for an unknown reason.

Release compatibility

[edit]
Operating system Latest version Year Support Date Engine
Android
(including
Android for ARMv6) 		7.0 and later 76.2.4027.73374 Edit this on Wikidata (ARMv7, x86) 2023 2016– Blink
6.x 72.5.3767.69342 (ARMv7, x86) 2022 2015–2023
5.x 62.3.3146.57763 (ARMv7) 2021 2014–2021
62.3.3146.57763 (x86)
4.4 58.4.2878.56737 (ARMv7) 2020 2013–2020
58.4.2878.56737 (x86)
1.6–4.4 12.1.9 (ARMv5, ARMv6 and ARMv7) 2015 2010–2015 Presto
Symbian S60v3 and later 12.0.2 2012[20] 2006–2012
S60v2 8.65 2006[21] 2003–2010
S60v1 6.20 2004[22] 2003–2005 Elektra
EPOC R3 to R5 5.14 2002[23] 2000–2002
Windows Mobile 5–6.5.3 10.0 2010[24] 2006–2010 Presto
2003 8.65 2007[25] 2006–2010

Awards

[edit]
  • Tietokone magazine "Best Software Product of the Year" 2003[26]
  • Mobile Gala "Best program for handheld computers" 2004[26]
  • Mobile Gala "Best program for mobile phones" 2004[26]
  • Smartphone and PocketPC Magazine "Best mobile browser for both Windows-based Pocket PC and Smartphones" 2007[27]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Opera Mobile

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Opera Mobile is a full-featured developed by Opera Limited (formerly the Norwegian company Opera Software ASA, majority-owned by China's Kunlun Tech since 2016) for mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Designed to deliver a complete desktop-like web browsing experience on portable hardware, it renders web pages directly on the device using client-side processing. First released in July 2000 as version 3.62 for Psion Series PDAs running the EPOC operating system, Opera Mobile marked an early effort to bring advanced web capabilities to handheld devices. It was later ported to (then known as ) in 2003 with version 6.0, enabling support for more advanced smartphones of the era. Subsequent adaptations included platforms in the mid-2000s, Android starting with a beta in 2010, and in April 2014—though the version is constrained by Apple's requirement to use the engine. By 2018, support for was discontinued as the platform declined. Historically powered by Opera's proprietary Presto rendering engine for standards compliance and speed, Opera Mobile transitioned to the open-source Blink engine (a fork of WebKit used in Chromium) in 2013 to better align with evolving web standards and improve performance across platforms. Unlike the lightweight, server-proxied Opera Mini—which compresses pages on Opera's servers to save data and bandwidth on low-end devices—Opera Mobile emphasizes direct rendering for richer multimedia support and faster local processing, though it demands more device resources. As of November 2025, the browser's legacy continues in the modern Opera Browser apps for Android and iOS, which retain core features like built-in ad blocking, a free VPN for privacy, customizable themes, and seamless synchronization across devices. These tools prioritize security, speed, and user customization, with over 100 million Android downloads and a 4.7-star rating.

Overview

Development and Platforms

Opera Mobile was developed by Opera Software AS, a Norwegian technology company founded in 1995 to create innovative web browsing solutions. The browser's development for mobile devices began in 2000 with an initial focus on personal digital assistants (PDAs), such as the Psion Series 5 and Series 7, marking one of the earliest efforts to bring full web browsing to handheld devices. Over time, the project expanded to target smartphones and tablets, with key ports to operating systems like Symbian (for devices such as the Sony Ericsson P800 in 2003) and Windows Mobile (in 2004), enabling optimized browsing on early mobile hardware. Following the 2016 acquisition of Opera Software's browser, privacy apps, and brand by a Chinese consortium led by Kunlun Tech and Qihoo 360 for approximately $600 million (following renegotiation of an initial $1.2 billion offer), the company restructured as Opera Limited, a Chinese-Norwegian entity that continues to oversee mobile browser development. This shift supported further evolution, with Android emerging as a primary platform after the release of Opera Mobile 10.1 beta in 2010 for early Android devices. Post-2013, following the transition to the Chromium-based Blink engine, the Android version was rebranded as "Opera Browser" to unify branding across mobile and desktop experiences. iOS support was introduced later through Opera Touch in 2018, which was rebranded to Opera in 2021, solidifying Android and iOS as the core platforms today. From its inception, Opera Mobile has operated on a freeware model, providing unrestricted access without licensing fees to broaden mobile adoption. It integrates seamlessly with 's broader ecosystem, allowing users to synchronize bookmarks, tabs, and settings across devices via an Opera account, enhancing cross-platform continuity.

Current Status and Availability

Opera Mobile continues to be actively developed and maintained under the branding of Opera Browser for Android, with the latest stable version, 92.6.4866.86081, released on November 19, 2025. This update includes enhancements to and , aligning with Opera's ongoing commitment to regular releases that address vulnerabilities and introduce new capabilities. There have been no announcements regarding discontinuation, and the browser receives frequent updates to ensure compatibility with evolving mobile ecosystems. The browser is widely available through major distribution channels, including the Store where it has surpassed 100 million downloads and holds a 4.7-star rating based on over 5.25 million reviews as of 2025. For iOS users, the variant is accessible via the Apple , featuring a similar 4.7-star rating from approximately 218,000 reviews. Additionally, direct APK downloads are offered from Opera's official website, providing an alternative for users outside app stores or those preferring . Opera Mobile supports Android devices running version 7.0 or later and or later, ensuring broad accessibility across modern smartphones and tablets. Recent builds integrate AI tools such as , a built-in assistant for generating text, images, and providing insights without requiring user login. The core application remains free to use, with an optional premium subscription for VPN Pro, which extends unlimited data and access to over 3,000 servers across multiple devices.

History

Early Development and Presto Era (2000–2012)

Opera Mobile originated as a pioneering browser tailored for early personal digital assistants (PDAs), with its initial release as version 3.62 for the EPOC operating system on Psion devices in July 2000. This launch positioned Opera Software as a key player in mobile browsing, enabling full web access on constrained hardware like the , Revo, and through optimized rendering for limited processing power and memory. The browser's early focus addressed the nascent needs of mobile users by supporting basic and WML standards, marking the beginning of Opera's commitment to bridging desktop web experiences to portable devices. The first port to arrived with version 8.0 in June 2005. This version introduced enhancements for mobile constraints, including Opera's Small-Screen Rendering (SSR) technology, which dynamically reformatted web pages into a single-column layout to fit small displays without horizontal scrolling. SSR proved revolutionary for the era, cracking the "small-screen problem" by making full accessible on devices with resolutions as low as 160x160 pixels, and it was commercially deployed on devices like Sony Ericsson's P800. Concurrently, the adoption of the proprietary Presto rendering engine—debuting in 7 that year—provided robust support for CSS2 and early ( 3), allowing better handling of web standards despite mobile limitations like slow processors and no input. Subsequent releases built on these foundations amid ongoing challenges of keypad-based and bandwidth scarcity. Version 8.0, launched in July 2005, refined Presto's layout capabilities for OS 7 devices, adding features like tabbed browsing and password management adapted for numeric keypads via spatial , which enabled cursor movement without a pointer. The 9.5 beta in 2008 further innovated with hardware-accelerated rendering in Presto, improving page load speeds and introducing Opera Widgets for quick access to mobile-optimized web apps, while maintaining compatibility with early web standards on platforms like and . Key milestones continued with version 10's final release in March 2010, which integrated Turbo—a proxy-based compression mode that reduced data usage by up to 80% on slow connections, significantly aiding users in data-limited environments. This feature, powered by server-side Presto rendering, compressed images and before transmission, boosting speeds on networks common in emerging markets. Versions 11 (March 2011) and 12 (February 2012) enhanced Presto's JavaScript engine (Carakan) for better dynamic content support and added for smoother scrolling on keypads, culminating the era's focus on efficiency for non-touch devices like phones. These iterations solidified Mobile's reputation for innovation in resource-constrained , prioritizing standards compliance and over exhaustive feature bloat.

Chromium Transition and Modern Era (2013–Present)

In 2012, Opera Mobile began transitioning from its proprietary Presto rendering engine to , with a preview of version 14 for Android incorporating WebKit 537.71 and a redesigned , marking the initial shift toward open-source web standards compatibility. This preview laid the groundwork for broader alignment with modern web technologies. By July 2, 2013, version 15 fully adopted the Blink engine—a of developed for —synchronizing Opera Mobile's rendering capabilities with the desktop version of , which had also pivoted to for improved performance and standards support. Following the engine switch, Opera Mobile adopted a rapid release cycle mirroring 's updates, with version 16 released on September 18, 2013, integrating 29 and introducing features like "instant back" for faster navigation on Android devices. Subsequent versions progressed steadily, reaching version 76 by mid-2023 (June 26, 2023), which required Android 7.0 or later and phased out support for older Android versions below 7.0 to prioritize and on contemporary hardware. By November 2025, updates had accelerated to version 92 and beyond, reflecting ongoing enhancements in rendering efficiency and feature integration, while maintaining a primary focus on Android amid the decline of support after 2013, when transitioned Nokia's legacy platforms to 's ecosystem without further native development. A pivotal corporate event occurred in July 2016, when Opera Software was acquired by a consortium of Chinese investors—including Qihoo 360 and Kunlun Tech—for $600 million, enabling expanded resources for mobile development and global reach without disrupting Opera Mobile's core operations. Support for Windows Mobile was discontinued in 2018 as the platform declined. This period emphasized cross-platform synchronization, allowing seamless bookmark, password, and tab sharing across Android, iOS, and desktop via Opera accounts, enhancing user continuity in a multi-device environment. In 2022, Opera Mobile integrated a built-in non-custodial Web3 wallet as part of its Crypto Browser Project beta, supporting cryptocurrency management, NFT interactions, and dApp access directly on Android devices to facilitate Web3 adoption. Advancements continued into the 2020s, with AI integration emerging in through , Opera's browser-native AI assistant available in mobile builds for tasks like text generation, image creation, and real-time web queries without requiring a , powered initially by local large models for privacy-focused on-device processing. No major product discontinuations occurred during this era, preserving Opera Mobile's availability on supported platforms. A significant user interface evolution arrived in May 2025 with version 89, overhauling tab management to include customizable carousel, grid, and list views, along with grouping and rearrangement options to combat tab overload and improve multitasking on Android.

Features

Core Browsing and User Interface

Opera Mobile features a touch-optimized designed for efficient one-handed operation on smartphones and tablets. The bottom bar provides quick access to essential functions such as the , tabs, and search, adapting seamlessly to phone or tablet layouts for intuitive control. Central to the browsing experience is the , a customizable start page displaying up to nine shortcuts to frequently visited websites, enabling rapid access without additional navigation steps. Visual tabs offer a -based overview of open pages, allowing users to swipe, stack, or manage multiple sessions effortlessly. In 2025, Opera Mobile introduced Tab Islands, an advanced grouping system that automatically clusters related tabs—such as those opened from the same link—for better organization and context switching with a single tap. Browsing tools emphasize mobile ergonomics, including pinch-to-zoom for precise scaling of and automatic orientation switching between and modes to match device handling. These elements ensure fluid navigation across diverse screen sizes and usage scenarios. Customization options enhance personalization, with modular themes allowing users to alter the browser's appearance through dynamic visuals and color schemes. Additionally, Flow enables seamless device-to-device sharing of links, text, images, and files via an encrypted connection, integrating effortlessly with the browser's core workflow.

Privacy, Security, and Performance Tools

Opera Mobile incorporates several privacy-focused tools to enhance user protection during browsing. The browser includes a free built-in VPN that provides unlimited data usage, encrypts traffic, and masks the user's IP address to prevent tracking by websites and ISPs; it offers servers in three regions (Americas, Europe, Asia). The premium VPN Pro tier—priced at $4 per month as of 2025 and supporting up to six devices—includes ad-free browsing, faster speeds, and expanded access to 48 global locations, with improvements introduced in version 90 (July 2025). Additionally, an integrated ad and tracker blocker filters out intrusive advertisements and third-party trackers, reducing data consumption and preventing cross-site monitoring, which contributes to faster page loads by up to 90% in some cases. For protection against clipboard hijacking—where malicious sites alter copied sensitive data like cryptocurrency addresses—Opera Mobile offers Paste Protection, which monitors the clipboard for unauthorized changes and alerts users before pasting. On the security front, Opera Mobile benefits from automatic updates that incorporate the latest patches to address vulnerabilities, ensuring timely fixes for high-severity issues such as zero-day exploits. For instance, in 2025, the browser received rapid updates for Chrome-based flaws like CVE-2025-10585 and CVE-2025-6558, minimizing exposure risks. Users can also enable the Clear Data on Exit option, which automatically deletes browsing history, cookies, and cached files upon closing the app, thereby limiting and enhancing session . Performance optimizations in Opera Mobile include the Data Saver mode (available on Android), which evolved from the legacy Turbo compression technology and routes traffic through Opera's servers to compress web content, achieving up to 90% data savings on average for text and images. This is particularly useful for mobile users on limited bandwidth plans. Furthermore, the AI-powered assistant aids performance by summarizing lengthy webpages and handling on-page queries, reducing the need to load additional content and streamlining . Opera Mobile integrates Web3 tools, including Web3 Guard for detecting attempts in interactions; the previous built-in crypto wallet has been discontinued as of January 2025, with users directed to the standalone MiniPay app for wallet functionality. Note that features may vary by platform, with iOS versions constrained by Apple's engine and lacking certain compression or Web3 integrations available on Android.

Opera Mini

Opera Mini is a lightweight mobile web browser developed by Opera Software as a data-efficient alternative to the full-featured , targeting users with limited bandwidth and older devices. Initially released in 2005 for ME-enabled feature phones, it pioneered accessible mobile browsing in an era before widespread adoption, allowing users to surf the web on low-end hardware with minimal resources. In October 2013, over 245 million users surfed with Opera Mini, reflecting its rapid growth in popularity for cost-effective internet access. Unlike Opera Mobile, which employs client-side rendering with the Blink engine for full web fidelity, Opera Mini relies on server-side processing through Opera's cloud proxy to compress and optimize before transmission to the device. This is particularly suited for and networks and budget smartphones, reducing data transfer by up to 90% in its current Android and versions, thereby enabling faster loading times and lower costs in bandwidth-constrained environments. The browser's Extreme Data Saver mode further enhances this by aggressively compressing images and text on Opera's servers, making it ideal for emerging markets where data expenses remain a barrier to online access. Key features distinguish Opera Mini's minimalist design, including a basic for quick access to favorite sites and the ability to save pages for offline reading, which stores compressed versions locally for later viewing without an internet connection. To prioritize speed and efficiency, it forgoes full support in proxy modes, pausing or simplifying dynamic scripts that could increase data usage, though higher modes offer improved compatibility. As a standalone application, Opera Mini maintains a strong presence on the Store with over 9.8 million reviews and a 4.7-star rating as of 2025, underscoring its enduring appeal among users in regions like and facing connectivity challenges. It also supports shared Opera account synchronization for bookmarks and settings across devices.

Opera for iOS and Other Variants

Opera for iOS has undergone several iterations since its early experimental launches, adapting to Apple's stringent ecosystem requirements, including the mandatory use of the rendering engine. The first notable variant was Opera Coast, introduced on September 9, 2013, as a gesture-based browser optimized for the , featuring a minimalist interface that emphasized touch navigation and seamless integration with multitasking. An version followed in 2014, extending its swipe-centric to smaller screens. However, Opera Coast was discontinued and removed from the in August 2017, marking the end of this gesture-focused experiment. Building on these foundations, Opera Touch debuted in April 2018 as a tailored for one-handed operation, incorporating a prominent Fast Action Button for quick access to search and tabs on both and Android platforms. On , it evolved into the main Browser app through a in March 2021, retaining core elements like the Fast Action Button and while introducing a refreshed with customizable colors and smoother animations to align with broader ecosystem features. The Android version of Opera Touch, however, was phased out by late 2023, with the app no longer available for new downloads from the Store as of December 2023. As of November 2025, the primary Opera Browser for remains closely aligned with its Android counterpart in versioning and core functionality, supporting versions beyond 92 while adhering to Apple's engine mandate for all third-party browsers. Key features include the built-in free VPN for secure browsing and the Tab Islands system, introduced in September 2025, which enables users to organize tabs into collapsible, color-coded groups for improved multitasking on and . This setup provides a streamlined experience despite iOS limitations, emphasizing privacy tools and intuitive tab management without the full extensibility of non-Apple platforms. Beyond the standard iOS app, Opera has developed niche variants targeting specific user needs. Opera GX Mobile, launched on June 15, 2021, caters to gamers with gaming-centric optimizations, including resource limiters for CPU, RAM, and network usage to prevent browser interference with in-game performance, such as maintaining stable frame rates during multitasking. It also integrates GX Corner for discovering free games and deals, alongside customizable themes and haptic feedback for a tailored mobile gaming workflow. In early 2025, Opera introduced Opera Air on February 4 as a lightweight browser emphasizing mindfulness and digital well-being, featuring a minimalist interface that reduces visual clutter and distractions through frosted glass UI elements and ad-blocking. Its well-being tools include customizable focus modes via "Boosts," which deliver binaural beats for states like deep relaxation or energized concentration, alongside session timers in the form of break reminders that prompt guided breathing exercises or stretches at user-defined intervals. These elements aim to foster balanced browsing habits, with positive daily quotes on the Speed Dial to enhance emotional focus without compromising core web functionality.

Compatibility and Reception

System Requirements and Version History

Opera Mobile requires Android 10.0 (API level 29) or later, with a minimum of 2 GB RAM recommended for optimal performance, approximately 100 MB of free storage space, and ARM64 architecture preferred for modern devices. On , it supports 15.0 or later, including 15.0 and 1.0, with a download size of about 112 MB. Support for legacy platforms has concluded: ended in 2014 with no further updates after Opera Mini 7.1, is legacy-only following the release of version 11 in 2011, and saw no active development post-2013. Security updates for Opera Mobile are delivered through integration with the upstream project, ensuring patches for vulnerabilities like zero-days (e.g., CVE-2025-10585 and CVE-2025-6554) are applied promptly in supported versions. Versions below 80 reached end-of-life after 2023, receiving no further updates or patches. The version history of Opera Mobile spans from its Presto engine era to the modern Blink-based iterations, with key milestones summarized below:
PeriodKey VersionsHighlights
Pre-2013Up to 12.1Powered by Presto rendering engine; initial mobile release in 2000 for platforms like Psion and early ; focused on basic standards compliance and small-screen optimization.
2013–202015–60Adopted Blink engine in version 15 for improved compatibility; introduced Opera Turbo for data compression and faster loading on slow connections; enhanced support for and mobile gestures.
2021–202570–92Emphasized AI integrations like and built-in VPN enhancements; version 89 (April 2025) revamped tab management for better organization; version 90 (July 2025) updated VPN Pro with expanded server connections; latest release 92.6 (November 2025) includes ongoing Chromium security alignments.

Awards and User Adoption

Opera Mobile has received several notable awards recognizing its in mobile . In 2003, it was named "Best Software Product of the Year" by Tietokone magazine for its pioneering approach to web access on early mobile devices. The following year, in 2004, it won "Best program for handheld computers" at the Mobile Gala awards, highlighting its efficiency on resource-constrained hardware. By 2007, Opera Mobile was awarded "Best mobile browser for both Windows-based and " by Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine, praised by experts for its superior rendering and usability on platforms. In the 2010s, Opera's mobile offerings, including variants of Opera Mobile, earned nods from the for in and . User adoption of Opera Mobile peaked in 2013, reaching over 250 million mobile users worldwide, including those using , driven by its data compression features suited to emerging markets. By 2025, the browser had surpassed 100 million downloads on Android via the Store, with strong penetration in and where low-bandwidth conditions favor its performance. On , it experienced significant growth, with up to 5x increase in daily in key markets including a near tripling in over two years as of October 2025, bolstered by the EU (DMA) enabling greater browser choice. This growth is attributed to the EU (DMA), resulting in up to 5x increases in daily in select markets. Overall, Opera Mobile contributes to Opera Software's total of approximately 289 million monthly across platforms in Q2 2025. Growth has been supported by partnerships, such as pre-installations on devices until around 2015, which expanded its reach on Android handsets. Reception for Opera Mobile has been generally positive, particularly for its speed in low-bandwidth areas, making it a preferred choice in regions like and where data costs are high. However, following Opera Software's partial acquisition by a Chinese in 2016, the browser faced criticisms regarding potential risks due to data handling concerns raised by regulators. In 2025 reviews, users and critics highlight its integrated AI features and tab management as strengths, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on the Store.

References

  1. https://betanews.com/2008/10/23/uiq-devices-get-opera-mobile-9-5-beta/
  2. https://press.opera.com/2000/07/06/opera-3-62-for-epoc-launched/
  3. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/hands-on-opera-mobile-beta-browser-for-android/
  4. https://techcrunch.com/2014/04/10/opera-launches-mobile-browser-for-ios/
  5. https://www.windowscentral.com/opera-mobile-drops-windows-mobile
  6. https://brucelawson.co.uk/2013/hello-blink/
  7. https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/2743/what-is-the-difference-between-opera-mini-and-opera-mobile
  8. https://www.opera.com/opera/android
  9. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opera.browser&hl=en_US
  10. https://www.opera.com/about
  11. https://resources.eyeo.com/part-3-mobile-overtaking-desktop
  12. https://press.opera.com/2003/04/30/opera-kick-starts-the-mobile-internet-revolution/
  13. https://press.opera.com/2004/08/31/opera-software-announcesthe-opera-browser-for-windows-mobile/
  14. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/11/browser-maker-opera-acquisition-chinese
  15. https://phys.org/news/2016-07-chinese-consortium-opera-browser-mn.html
  16. https://www.theverge.com/2013/2/26/4032296/opera-with-webkit-for-android-hands-on-preview
  17. https://blogs.opera.com/mobile/2021/03/opera-touch-on-ios-becomes-opera/
  18. https://help.opera.com/en/opera36/sync-your-browser/
  19. https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera-private-web-browser-92-6-4866-86081-release/
  20. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/opera-ai-browser-with-vpn/id1411869974
  21. https://www.opera.com/download
  22. https://press.opera.com/2005/06/30/the-wait-is-over-operas-web-browser-now-available-for-windows-mobile-2003-smartphone/
  23. https://press.opera.com/2003/02/11/commercial-breakthrough-for-operas-small-screen-rendering-technology/
  24. https://help.opera.com/en/operas-archived-history/
  25. https://press.opera.com/2008/02/05/opera-unleashes-innovative-technology-in-latest-mobile-web-browser-ae-opera-mobile-9-5/
  26. https://www.gsmarena.com/opera_mini_5_and_opera_mobile_10_final_released-news-1515.php
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  28. https://press.opera.com/2012/02/27/opera-mobile-for-android-now-available-for-intel-architecture/
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  30. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/opera-15-arrives-with-chromium-based-rapid-release-revamp/
  31. https://blogs.opera.com/news/2013/09/opera-16-for-android-is-released-2/
  32. https://forums.opera.com/topic/63567/opera-for-android-76
  33. https://nokiapoweruser.com/microsoft-starts-to-prompt-nokia-x-symbian-nokia-feature-phone-users-to-migrate-to-opera-store-browser/
  34. https://www.engadget.com/2016-07-18-opera-browser-sold-to-a-chinese-consortium-for-600-million.html
  35. https://investor.opera.com/news-releases/news-release-details/opera-announces-beta-new-web3-centric-browser-built-crypto
  36. https://press.opera.com/2024/04/03/ai-feature-drops-local-llms/
  37. https://blogs.opera.com/mobile/2025/05/new-opera-for-android-89-comes-with-the-most-complete-tab-management-system-out-there/
  38. https://help.opera.com/en/mobile/android/
  39. https://blogs.opera.com/news/2024/08/introducing-opera-one-for-ios-a-fresh-take-on-mobile-browsing/
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  41. https://www.opera.com/features/tab-islands
  42. https://press.opera.com/2025/05/06/opera-introduces-major-tab-management-upgrade-for-android/
  43. https://www.opera.com/features/themes
  44. https://help.opera.com/en/touch/my-flow/
  45. https://blogs.opera.com/desktop/2025/05/opera-one-browser-clear-data-on-exit-privacy-feature/
  46. https://blogs.opera.com/news/2015/04/opera-mini-history-new-version-android/
  47. https://press.opera.com/2013/11/29/when-mobile-users-take-to-smartphones/
  48. https://www.opera.com/mini
  49. https://blogs.opera.com/africa/2024/04/why-choose-opera-mini/
  50. https://help.opera.com/en/mini/android/
  51. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opera.mini.native&hl=en_US
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  54. https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/opera-coast
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  57. https://press.opera.com/2025/09/03/opera-for-ios-new-tab-management-system/
  58. https://blogs.opera.com/mobile/2021/06/opera-gx-mobile-is-here-android-ios-browser-for-gamers/
  59. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opera.gx&hl=en_US
  60. https://press.opera.com/2025/02/04/opera-air-browser/
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  62. https://www.opera.com/air
  63. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opera.browser
  64. https://forums.opera.com/topic/1298/please-continue-the-support-and-updates-for-opera-mini-symbian-version
  65. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/opera-mobile-11-and-opera-mini-6-coming-at-ctia/
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