Orion 1.0

Product Introduction

1. Orion 1.0 is a privacy-first web browser developed by Kagi, built natively on Apple’s WebKit engine to deliver high performance across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It combines native rendering speed with full extension compatibility while enforcing strict zero-telemetry policies to ensure user privacy. The browser is designed to serve as a secure, customizable alternative to mainstream browsers funded by advertising or controlled by large tech corporations.
2. The core value of Orion lies in its uncompromising commitment to user privacy and technical independence, offering a browsing experience free from data collection, tracking, or third-party influence. It prioritizes speed, privacy, and extensibility without forcing users to choose between these features, positioning itself as a tool that respects both casual users and power professionals.

Main Features

1. Orion uses Apple’s WebKit engine natively optimized for macOS and iOS, ensuring faster page rendering, smoother tab management, and lower memory usage compared to Chromium-based browsers. This architecture allows seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem while avoiding the privacy risks associated with Google’s Chromium monoculture.
2. The browser enforces zero telemetry by default, meaning no usage data, identifiers, or analytics are collected from users. Privacy protections include built-in content blocking, no ad-tracking technology, and isolation of browsing profiles to prevent cross-site fingerprinting.
3. Orion introduces productivity-focused tools like Focus Mode, which transforms any website into a distraction-free web app, and Link Preview, which lets users preview content without opening new tabs. Advanced users benefit from granular customization options, including programmable buttons, floating windows, and profile-based isolation for work, personal, and hobby browsing.

Problems Solved

1. Orion addresses the erosion of privacy in modern browsers by eliminating telemetry, ads, and tracking technologies that monetize user activity. It provides a viable alternative for users who reject browsers funded by advertising or controlled by data-hungry corporations.
2. The target user group includes privacy-conscious individuals, professionals requiring secure workflows, and power users seeking customization without performance trade-offs. Enterprises and developers also benefit from its predictable environment and lack of embedded AI risks.
3. Typical use cases include securely accessing sensitive documents, managing multiple isolated workflows (e.g., separating work and personal accounts), and using AI tools externally without exposing browsing data to unvetted third-party integrations.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike Chromium-based browsers, Orion leverages WebKit for native performance on Apple devices while resisting the dominance of Google’s ecosystem. This choice ensures compatibility with Safari extensions but avoids dependencies on advertising-driven platforms.
2. Orion uniquely excludes built-in AI agents from its core, reducing attack surfaces and preventing unauthorized data access—a critical differentiator from emerging “AI browsers” with documented security flaws. Its AI philosophy focuses on external integrations controlled by the user.
3. Competitive advantages include a sustainable funding model (user subscriptions instead of ads), six years of focused development by a small team, and features like Profiles as Apps, which offer enterprise-grade isolation unmatched by mainstream browsers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does Orion use WebKit instead of Chromium? Orion uses WebKit to optimize performance on Apple devices, avoid Google’s advertising ecosystem, and provide a privacy-focused alternative to the Chromium monoculture. WebKit ensures native speed and compatibility with Safari extensions while maintaining independence from ad-driven platforms.
2. How does Orion handle AI integration compared to other browsers? Orion excludes embedded AI from its core to prevent security risks and data leaks, allowing users to connect external AI tools voluntarily. This approach contrasts with browsers that integrate unvetted AI agents with system-level access, which have faced prompt-injection attacks and privacy breaches.
3. What sustains Orion’s development if it’s free and doesn’t sell data? Orion is funded through supporter subscriptions, lifetime purchases, and optional tips, ensuring alignment with user interests rather than advertisers. Paid tiers unlock advanced features like floating windows and custom icons, directly supporting ongoing development.
4. Does Orion sync data across devices? Orion synchronizes profiles, settings, and extensions across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices, with Linux and Windows versions in development for future cross-platform parity. All sync operations are encrypted and exclude telemetry or usage analytics.
5. Can Orion replace Chrome/Firefox for power users? Yes—Orion supports Chrome and Firefox extensions via WebKit compatibility, offers superior memory management, and includes power features like Focus Mode and programmable UI elements. Its privacy-first design makes it suitable for developers, researchers, and privacy advocates needing full control over their browsing environment.