The indie Opera browser, one of the oldest browsers still operating today, has been updated with native support for Apple Silicon Macs. The update means that the Opera browser now runs 2x faster on M1 Macs.
Opera first debuted on Mac way back in 1996. That’s approaching a decade before Safari made its debut. One of Opera’s first big claims to fame was that it made it easier to browse several web pages at once. Today, its big appeal is its minimalist aesthetic, innovative sidebar design, and (now faster than ever) performance.
In a blog post, the developers write:
“Like Apple, Opera’s goal is to make your online experience as smooth as possible. With this latest release, Opera runs 2 times faster compared to the previous version of our browser. This means faster access to your favorite websites, and quicker transition to Opera’s built-in features like WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter and Instagram – all neatly packed into the sidebar.”
The update also means that users can now set custom keyboard shortcuts to quickly access Opera’s Flow feature. This connects the browser with Opera on iOS and Android for sending notes, images, links, and files. To access custom shortcuts, click the three-dot icon at the bottom of the Opera sidebar, then select Configure shortcuts.
“You can also now create shortcuts to Opera’s built-in Crypto Wallet, as well as the Player feature – a gateway to all your favorites on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music,” Opera’s developers note.
You can download the latest version of the Opera browser from the company’s website.
What’s your web browser of choice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
