Mozilla Pulls the Plug on Pocket: End of an Era for Read-It-Later App
In a move that has surprised and saddened many users, Mozilla has announced it is shutting down its read-it-later app, Pocket, on July 8, 2025. Acquired in 2017, Pocket had become a staple for millions seeking to curate and consume online content at their own pace. This decision marks a significant shift in Mozilla's strategy, as the company focuses its resources on emerging technologies and features within its flagship Firefox browser.
"Pocket has helped millions save articles and discover stories worth reading," Mozilla stated in a blog post. "But the way people use the web has evolved, so we’re channeling our resources into projects that better match their browsing habits and online needs."
Users will be able to access Pocket and its browser extensions until July 8, 2025. After that, the service will transition to an export-only mode, giving users until October 8, 2025, to retrieve their saved articles, including those in their lists, archives, favorites, notes, and highlights. This includes content saved over Pocket’s API.
While Mozilla didn't explicitly cite a single reason for the shutdown, the company emphasized its commitment to investing in avenues that enhance content discovery and access. These efforts will be channeled into Firefox's New Tab experience, curated content recommendations, email newsletters (with "Pocket Hits" morphing into "Ten Tabs", sans weekend edition), and more.
Alongside Pocket, Mozilla is also discontinuing Fakespot, a browser extension acquired in 2023 designed to identify unreliable online reviews. "While the idea resonated, it didn’t fit a model we could sustain," Mozilla explained regarding Fakespot’s fate. Fakespot's "Review Checker", which was baked into Firefox, will cease operation on June 10, 2025.
The news has understandably sparked disappointment among Pocket's loyal user base, many of whom have taken to social media to express their dismay. Some users relied on Pocket to efficiently manage online content that would be useful for personal learning or work.
"This shift allows us to shape the next era of the internet – with tools like vertical tabs, smart search and more AI-powered features on the way," Mozilla assures its users. "We’ll continue to build a browser that works harder for you: more personal, more powerful and still proudly independent." Essentially, Mozilla wants to focus on tools already inside its existing ecosystem.
The decision to sunset Pocket and Fakespot underscores the ever-evolving landscape of the internet and the challenges companies face in staying relevant and sustainable. Mozilla's focus on internal Firefox features and AI-powered enhancements signals a strategic pivot towards a more integrated and personalized browsing experience.
What do you think about Mozilla's decision to shut down Pocket? Will you be exporting your saved articles before the deadline? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below!
