An Update on Orion for Linux and Windows

Kagi, the independent browser developer, has announced plans to end development of Orion for Linux and Windows and re-open source both platforms for the community to continue their development. This decision was made so that Kagi can focus on enhancing Orion's performance, stability, and capabilities for macOS and iOS users. Orion is built by a small team of developers who are funded entirely by Kagi users, and the company chose not to fork Chromium for greater independence.

The web benefits from having multiple engines and choices, and Kagi believes owning the entire browsing experience is crucial. They received overwhelming support from the community when they announced Orion for Linux, and many users tested early builds, reported bugs, and voiced their desire for a privacy-respecting WebKit-based browser on Linux.

When considering taking Orion beyond the Apple ecosystem, Kagi recognized it as a significant gamble for a small, independent company. They made this choice because they believe having control over every aspect of the browsing experience is essential. The team behind Orion will now dedicate their resources to improving Orion for Apple devices, with steady enhancements expected in the coming months.

The source code for the discontinued platforms will be released within the next 30 days, and Kagi is actively seeking potential open-source foundations and organizations to take on the stewardship of Orion for Linux and Windows. Linux users should note that the current beta will still function but will stop receiving updates from Kagi after October 2, 2026.

Windows users should also be aware that the planned release in late 2026 will not originate from Kagi, as the code will be made available to the community to build upon. Kagi expresses gratitude to everyone who tested, reported issues, and supported the development of an independent browser beyond the Apple ecosystem.