Kagi Launches Orion 1.0, a Privacy-First WebKit Browser for Mac [Download]

Kagi has officially launched Orion 1.0 for macOS today, moving its privacy-focused web browser out of beta after six years of development. The release positions the browser as a high-performance, zero-telemetry alternative to Chrome and Safari, joining the existing iOS and iPadOS apps to complete the ecosystem.



Built on the same WebKit engine that powers Safari, Orion is designed to feel native to the Mac while stripping away the tracking found in ad-supported rivals. Kagi says the browser collects absolutely no usage data and ships without built-in ad tech. It's a deliberate choice to prioritize speed and privacy, offering a lightweight footprint that Mac users expect but with an architecture built for deep customization.


The launch takes a notably different approach than the recent wave of "AI browsers" like the newly released ChatGPT Atlas. Orion ships with no AI code in its core. Kagi cites security risks regarding AI agents having deep system access, opting instead to keep the browser clean. Users can still connect to external AI tools if they want, but the browser keeps those integrations separate from core functions.

The 1.0 release brings a handful of productivity features. A new Focus Mode lets users strip away UI distractions for reading, while Link Preview offers a quick peek at content without cluttering the tab bar. The browser also introduces "Profiles as Apps," a feature that isolates cookies, history, and extensions into separate profiles—handy for keeping work and personal browsing distinct.

Orion is free to download, supported by a paid membership model rather than ads. Optional subscriptions or a lifetime payment unlock extras like floating windows and custom icons. It is available now for macOS, as well as iOS and iPadOS. A Windows version is currently in the works, though it isn't expected until late 2026.

You can download Orion from the developer's website at the link below.


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