Opera has introduced an iOS version of its AI-powered Opera One web browser to the Apple Store. The Safari alternative offers a variety of features to appeal to Safari users, but the centerpiece is Aria, the AI assistant that Opera has integrated into its browser portfolio over the past year or so.
Aria is free and built into the browser, and combines enhanced search with ChatGPT-style text and image generation. You can chat with Aria and ask it to write text and software code, as well as get real-time information pulled from the web, with links to visit directly. You can quickly switch between chatting with Aria and the browser with a tap.
You can also start talking to Aria by voice instead of typing, though the AI isn't as responsive as ChatGPT's voice mode or Google Gemini Live. To create an image, just send Aria a request. The AI will create or modify an image that you can share using Google's Image 2 model, as seen in the image above.
Opera One has other distinctions from Safari beyond AI that help it stand out. That includes a very different search feature, with the “Bottom Search” feature doing what the name suggests and putting the search bar at the bottom of the screen. Opera claims this makes one-handed navigation easier, especially on larger iPhone models. Opera One’s search capabilities have also been improved with smart suggestions and predictive keywords. There’s also a swipe-to-search gesture that mimics how you might swipe down to search for apps on an iPhone. This feature allows users to quickly access the search bar without needing to navigate through menus.
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The Opera One browser has a more minimalist design overall than Safari. Settings are invisible until they are needed, and the top and status bars change color to match the current website and better blend into the digital environment. There is also a ticker with news, sports scores, and product suggestions built into the wallpaper. Opera claims this approach keeps users informed without cluttering their screens.
Regardless, it's AI that's likely to win over new iOS users. It fits into the broader trend of adding AI features to browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Opera is eager to set itself apart as a leader in this space, and expanding into Apple's ecosystem will likely help. That said, Apple's upcoming AI features could put a damper on the success of any third-party browser, so Opera isn't limiting its AI plans to what's currently available.
“Our research shows that mobile users are six times more likely to be satisfied than dissatisfied after switching from their default browser. That’s why, with Opera One for iOS, we want to raise the bar even higher and offer a better browsing experience than what users will find out of the box,” said Jona Bolin, Product Manager at Opera. “This is just the first step. We plan to continue developing our vision of the browsing experience on iOS in the coming months.”
