Firefox Adds AI-Powered Perplexity Search—Here’s What It Changes

Mozilla isn’t chasing the flashy new AI browsers. Instead, it’s quietly giving people a new choice inside the browser they already use. Firefox now lets users switch their search engine to Perplexity, an AI answer engine that returns conversational answers with citations rather than a list of links.

What this change actually does

Turn it on and Perplexity appears inside the unified search button in the address bar. Tap it and your query goes to an AI that replies in sentences, cites sources, and tries to be conversational. You can still set your default search provider in Firefox’s settings if you want Perplexity to be the go-to, or you can use it only when you feel like trying something different. It’s simple, low-friction, and optional — which feels like Mozilla’s whole point here.

Why not build a new browser? Why this approach?

Mozilla’s move is modest by design. Instead of shipping a whole new browser stacked with AI features, it’s letting people add AI where they already live. That matters. A lot of users don’t want to learn a new app; they want better options inside the one they trust. Might this be a smarter, less disruptive way to introduce AI to everyday browsing? It’s reasonable to think so.

From test pilot to global desktop rollout

Perplexity was in test mode for a while, only in places like the U.S., U.K., and Germany. Positive feedback apparently nudged Mozilla to widen availability — at least on desktop — and mobile is promised in the coming months. Mozilla hasn’t yet said whether Perplexity will remain a permanent fixture alongside Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo, but the signal is clear: if users like it, Mozilla is open to expanding AI search options.

Privacy nudges and why Perplexity was chosen

One practical reason Perplexity was likely first in line: it doesn’t share or sell users’ personal data, or so the company says. That dovetails with Mozilla’s privacy-forward brand. People who care about data practices might find that reassuring, though we shouldn’t pretend it’s the only factor at play.

More AI options could come

Mozilla hinted that if this pilot goes well, it might add more AI answer engines in the future. That’s interesting because it frames Firefox as a platform of choice rather than a single-vendor altar. Want variety? You could have it — assuming third-party AI engines meet Mozilla’s standards.

Profiles get broader release too

Alongside Perplexity, Mozilla also made browser profiles widely available after months of testing. Profiles let you switch between setups — work, school, personal — which is small but oddly powerful. Different tabs, extensions, cookies, maybe even a different tone for your browsing day. It’s another reminder that Mozilla is tweaking the user experience without flipping the whole thing upside down.

Quick take

This isn’t a flashy reinvention of the browser. It’s a gentle, user-first experiment: let people pick AI-powered search if they want it, keep privacy considerations front and center, and expand slowly based on feedback. That feels measured, maybe a little cautious, but also practical.

What do you think — would you switch your default search to an AI answer engine, or keep the link list as-is? Drop a comment below and tell us why. Follow Outreach Bee on Facebook, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn to keep the conversation going and get more updates like this.

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Sources:

• www.dataconomy.com/2025/10/15/firefox-adds-perplexity-ai-as-a-global-search-option/
• www.techcrunch.com/2025/10/14/mozillas-firefox-adds-perplexitys-ai-answer-engine-as-a-new-search-option/