Opera Focuses on Agentic AI as iOS Market Share Reaches 10%

Opera is shifting its browser strategy to focus on agentic AI while benefiting from regulatory changes in Western mobile markets. The company uses its subscription-based Neon browser as a testing ground for new AI features before releasing them to its free product lineup.

"We are the biggest independent browser, so the non-standard browser that people have to choose to install on their computer or on their phone. To get people to choose Opera and install it, we have to make it different and better than whatever standard browser would be," said Frode Jacobsen, CFO of Opera, at the Citi 2026 Global TMT Conference.

Scaling AI and Mobile Presence

Opera uses a tiered development cycle. The Neon browser acts as a subscription-based test environment where the company tests agentic AI capabilities, or tools that perform tasks on behalf of the user, before integrating successful features into the Opera One and Opera GX browsers. This method allows the company to refine its AI offerings before releasing them to its larger free-user population.

Mobile growth has driven recent expansion, specifically on Apple's platform. After Apple changed its policies to allow users to select alternative default browsers, Opera’s iOS user base grew to approximately 10% of its total smartphone footprint. This is an increase from the 1% share the company held in 2023 and 2024.

Expansion of Opera Ads

Beyond browser development, the company’s advertising arm, Opera Ads, continues to grow. According to a transcript from the Citi Global TMT Conference, the platform added 200 million users in the first half of 2026, bringing its total reach to 700 million users.

Strategic Position in the Browser Market

As an independent developer, Opera competes against pre-installed software from companies like Google and Apple. By focusing on niche features, such as the specialized gaming tools in Opera GX and the rapid deployment of agentic AI, the company maintains its position as a non-standard choice for users who prioritize customization and advanced functionality. The current strategy reflects an industry trend where independent browsers use AI to differentiate their products and attract users in a crowded software market.