Mozilla has officially announced that it will discontinue Pocket, its popular read-it-later app, on July 8, 2025. The company, which acquired Pocket in 2017, revealed the decision in a blog post on Thursday, citing a shift in how users engage with web content. Alongside Pocket, Mozilla is also shutting down Fakespot, a browser extension designed to help users spot unreliable reviews.
Mozilla, the company behind the Firefox browser, has officially announced that it is shutting down Pocket, its popular read-it-later app, on July 8, 2025. The news has stirred disappointment among loyal users, many of whom have relied on Pocket to save and organize online articles for years. The decision comes alongside the shutdown of Fakespot, Mozilla’s browser extension for detecting fake reviews.
Important Dates for Pocket Users
Users can continue accessing Pocket’s mobile app and browser extensions until July 8. After this, the service will enter an export-only mode, allowing users to download their saved content including items in their list, archive, favorites, notes, and highlights until October 8, 2025.
While Mozilla didn’t cite a specific reason for the shutdown, the company emphasized its continued commitment to helping users discover high-quality web content. Going forward, Mozilla will focus on other content discovery tools like its New Tab experience, email newsletters, and other in-browser features.
The New Tab interface already offers users quick access to frequently visited websites, recently viewed pages, and bookmarks areas Mozilla aims to enhance further.
Fakespot Also Being Discontinued
In addition to Pocket, Fakespot is being phased out. Mozilla explained that while the concept of Fakespot “resonated,” it ultimately didn’t align with a sustainable model for the company.
A Shift Toward a More AI-Powered Browser
Mozilla views this transition as part of a broader strategy to shape “the next era of the internet.” The organization is now focusing on AI-driven features and tools like vertical tabs, smart search, and a more personalized browsing experience.
Best Pocket Alternatives to Consider
As users prepare to transition away from Pocket, here are a few strong alternatives worth considering:
Instapaper
- Clean, distraction-free reading mode
- Highlighting and note-taking features
- Sync across devices
Raindrop.io
- Organize bookmarks with tags and folders
- Supports images, PDFs, and web clippings
- Visual bookmark management
Notion Web Clipper
- Save web pages directly to Notion databases
- Best for users already using Notion for productivity
- Supports custom organization and sharing
Omnivore
- Markdown support
- AI-powered article summaries
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mozilla shutting down the Pocket app?
Mozilla is discontinuing Pocket to focus on new tools and experiences that align better with modern web browsing habits. According to Mozilla, user behavior has evolved, and they are now investing in integrated solutions like Firefox’s New Tab experience and AI-powered features.
When will the Pocket app be officially shut down?
The Pocket app and browser extensions will be officially shut down on July 8, 2025. After this date, users will no longer be able to save new content, and the service will enter export-only mode.
Can I still access my saved articles after the shutdown?
Yes, but only temporarily. After July 8, Pocket will move into export-only mode, allowing users to download and back up their saved content until October 8, 2025.
What will happen to my Pocket data after October 8, 2025?
After October 8, 2025, all saved content and data on Pocket’s servers will become inaccessible. Mozilla has not stated whether data will be deleted immediately, so it’s highly recommended to export your content before the deadline.
Is Mozilla shutting down any other services?
Yes. Mozilla is also discontinuing Fakespot, a browser extension that helped users detect fake reviews on shopping sites. While the idea was well-received, Mozilla stated that it wasn’t sustainable long-term.
Conclusion
The news that Mozilla is shutting down Pocket marks the end of an era for one of the most beloved read-it-later tools on the web. As user habits evolve, Mozilla is responding by refocusing on its core mission building a smarter, more intuitive, and privacy-respecting browsing experience through Firefox. For users, this is a moment to back up their saved content, explore alternatives, and stay tuned for what’s next from Mozilla in the realm of AI-enhanced browsing tools.