LibreWolf

LibreWolf is a free, community-maintained browser based on Firefox, with privacy-focused defaults and its own settings and patches. It is independent of Mozilla and is not a Tor browser or an anonymity service. This cask installs the Mac desktop application, with separate Apple Silicon and Intel disk images.

Features

• Browse using the Firefox engine, tabs, bookmarks and compatible extensions.
• Use included uBlock Origin and strict tracking protection to reduce ads and tracking.
• Apply cookie isolation and anti-fingerprinting settings.
• Clear cookies and website data on close by default, with site exceptions when needed.
• Use HTTPS-only browsing and privacy-oriented search options.
• Disable telemetry, studies and sponsored recommendations.
• Control LibreWolf-specific privacy settings and optional service integrations.

Install and start

Install with brew install --cask librewolf, or download the official DMG matching ARM64 Apple Silicon or x86-64 Intel and move LibreWolf.app into Applications. Launch it, choose your search provider and review privacy settings. The current captured cask declares no additional formula dependency or explicit conflicting cask. Keep a backup before importing or changing an existing browser profile.

The recorded cask version 157.0,1 maps to official LibreWolf release 157.0-1; the bare 157.0 catalog record represents that same upstream release, not another feature release. Official website downloads already show a newer release than this captured cask. Check your actual installed version and available updates rather than assuming a snapshot is the newest upstream build.

Privacy tradeoffs and compatibility

Deleting site data at shutdown can sign you out and remove site preferences; add narrowly chosen exceptions when you need persistence. Anti-fingerprinting and restricted WebGL can affect interactive graphics or website behavior. Review the site's permissions and documented settings instead of disabling all protections globally. Firefox Sync is disabled by default and can be explicitly enabled; an account is not required for ordinary browsing.

The project disables Google Safe Browsing and DRM by default. This removes a Google-backed malicious-site/download protection mechanism, and DRM-protected streaming can fail until a compatible configuration is chosen. Privacy settings do not make malicious downloads safe or prevent websites from collecting information you submit. Camera and microphone access is needed only for sites where you choose to use calls or recording.

Extensions may have their own permissions, network behavior and update requirements. Built-in uBlock Origin filtering and browser settings should be reviewed alongside any added extensions. The 157.0 release removes Mullvad DNS from default DNS choices because that service was discontinued; do not configure a retired endpoint expecting it to provide resolution.

Mac builds and updates

Newer official release announcements supersede older FAQ passages about unsigned builds and missing automatic updates. Release 154.0.1-2 says Mac builds are signed and eliminate the earlier broken/unsafe warning and quarantine-removal requirement. Release 156.0-1 enables the built-in updater on macOS, and 157.0-1 adds a way to disable it. No blanket instruction to strip quarantine or bypass system security is needed for these current releases. Signing is not a guarantee against vulnerabilities.

Keep browser updates enabled or maintain a deliberate update process. The project follows Firefox stable source and publishes LibreWolf changes separately, but community release timing can differ from Firefox. Check both the base version and LibreWolf release revision; do not attribute every upstream Firefox feature to LibreWolf when its patches disable or alter that behavior.

Platforms and resources

Official downloads include native ARM64 and x86-64 Mac packages, with separate Windows and Linux distributions. A universal current minimum macOS version was not verified in the captured official Mac guide; the cask lists several Mac variants without an explicit runtime minimum. Choose a build compatible with your operating system and consult current release support rather than treating the catalog's platform enumeration as a guarantee.

The recorded 157.0-1 ARM64 DMG is 132,447,158 bytes, confirmed by official HTTP metadata. This is download size, not installed space. No exact universal RAM or installed-space minimum was verified; tabs, downloads and profile caches use additional resources. Network access is required for websites, extension/filter updates and browser updates; saved local content can work offline when its resources are available.

Cost and license

LibreWolf is free and open source, with no required account, purchase or subscription for browser use. Its source is licensed under MPL 2.0; bundled components retain their applicable licenses. The website has a separate AGPL 3.0 license. Websites, optional extensions and external services may impose their own accounts, charges and terms.

Sources: Official project, Features, Mac installation, Official releases, License.