Arc to close in December, with users directed to Dia
The Browser Company is shutting down Arc, ending access on 22 December 2026 after years of declining momentum. The closure marks the end of a browser that introduced a distinctive sidebar-based approach to tabs but failed to attract a broad enough audience; its maker is directing users towards its newer AI browser, Dia.
New Arc accounts have already been stopped. From 23 November, some mobile features and tab syncing will be disabled; on 22 December, Arc will become inaccessible on macOS and Windows, and accounts will be deactivated, with data deleted within 30 days. The company shifted its focus to Dia in 2025, and Arc will not be open-sourced; users may also consider alternatives such as Zen or Vivaldi.
In short
- Arc will stop working on 22 December 2026.
- Mobile features and syncing begin winding down on 23 November.
- The Browser Company recommends Dia, but users can choose other browsers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The company can argue that maintaining Arc indefinitely would divert staff and resources from Dia, its current product, especially if Arc no longer attracts enough users to justify ongoing support. A clear shutdown timetable may also help the company focus while giving users notice to move their data and choose another browser.
The case against
Users can argue that ending access and deleting data imposes significant costs on people who rely on Arc, particularly when the browser’s distinctive design has no direct replacement from its maker. Keeping Arc available or open-sourcing it could preserve user choice and allow a community to maintain a tool that the company no longer wishes to develop.
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Originally published by The Register as “Arc browser on its way out as makers suggest an alternative”.