#Norway #Oslo #Opera #iOS #Digital Markets Act

Opera's Remarkable Growth Among iOS Users

Opera, a company renowned for its innovative web browsers, has recently announced a significant increase in its daily active users on the iOS platform. Reported growth figures indicate that Opera's user base in Europe has nearly tripled over the past two years, highlighting the importance of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in enhancing browser competition in the European Union (EU). The figures are even more striking in specific markets, with France showing a remarkable fivefold increase in active users during this period.

A Surge in Popularity Driven by Unique Features

The past two years have marked a pivotal period for Opera, particularly as its growth trajectory for daily active users has shown an upward trend. From a 57% increase in user base across Europe in the first year to an impressive 88% over the past year, Opera has emerged as the fastest-growing browser on iOS. The company attributes this spike in popularity to the introduction of unique features that resonate with users.

Jørgen Arnesen, the Executive Vice President of Mobile at Opera, remarked, "Fifteen years ago, we introduced the first alternative to Apple's Safari on the iPhone. After many years of gradual growth, we saw an opportunity to innovate our offerings. Two years back, we revamped our browser to include valuable features such as a free browser VPN, aimed at enhancing user experience."

The combination of Opera’s focus on unique browser innovations and increased visibility in Europe has led to the launch of the award-winning Opera One for iOS—a complete redesign aimed at enhancing the browsing experience on iPhones. The browser is packed with features tailored for iOS users, including advanced tab management, integrated AI capabilities, and free native VPN, all of which address user frustrations effectively.

The Impact of the Digital Markets Act

Since the DMA's implementation in 2024, users of both Android and iOS devices in the EU have faced a new reality: a ballot screen allowing them to choose their preferred default browser. This shift has spurred interest among smartphone users, with a survey conducted by Opera revealing that 80% of Europeans expressed an openness to exploring new browsers. Almost unanimously, respondents stressed the need for more browser options and greater transparency when selecting their favorite browsing tools.

This newfound regulatory climate has opened up numerous market opportunities for Opera. Users are actively seeking alternatives to traditional browsers, fostering an environment where Opera can shine. The sustained growth of daily active users is expected to open new channels for Opera, both in user engagement and market penetration.

Financial Performance Reflects Strong Fundamentals

Opera’s financial results underscore the company’s robust performance metrics. For the latest quarter, Opera reported $152 million in revenue, representing a 23% year-over-year increase, including a 17% growth in browser-based query revenue. The consistent and increasing user growth on iOS has become a vital component of Opera’s financial competency, proving instrumental as the company continues to build a high-ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) user base.

Concluding Thoughts

As Opera solidifies its presence within the iOS ecosystem, it not only contributes to the competitive landscape of mobile browsing but also enhances user experience through innovative features. With a focus on empowering users and delivering unique browsing options, Opera sets the stage for continuing growth and success in the browser market. Its commitment to meeting user demands, and the strategic positioning resulting from the DMA, signals a promising future for both the brand and its increasingly loyal user base. As more users seek alternatives to default browsers, Opera’s growth narrative remains compelling and its impact on the browser landscape undeniable.