How do I download the Arc browser?
Arc’s desktop application is only available officially for macOS systems as of now.
Those on Windows or Linux machines cannot yet download Arc directly. The development team has confirmed that a dedicated Windows 10/11 version is in the works with an expected release window of late 2023. Android and Linux versions may follow further down the line, but there is no official confirmation.
For iOS users, a companion app offering sidebar functionality with spaces and tab syncing is available on the App Store. However, this is not a fully-fledged web browsing app. Early development builds have showcased Arc’s core sidebar UI working within Safari on iOS using Safari App Extensions, but this is not accessible publicly.
Arc has undertaken a deliberate rollout strategy and official downloads are currently limited.
System Requirments of Arc Browser
As a Chromium-based browser built with Apple’s Swift programming language, Arc has specific system requirements to run efficiently on Mac devices:
Operating System: macOS 12.1 or later is recommended. Versions before 12.1 will not support future Arc updates.
RAM: 4 GB RAM or higher is recommended for a smooth browsing experience. Arc may still work on 2 GB RAM machines but can slow down with many tabs open.
Storage: There should be at least 1 GB of available disk space for the Arc installer download and browser files. The application itself takes up around 357 MB initially.
Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon chips are supported. Arc runs natively on both architectures.
Graphics: Arc does not have special graphics requirements beyond what is needed for everyday system use and video playback. Integrated GPUs found in most modern Macs will suffice.
Download Arc Browser for Mac
The Arc browser is available for download from the official Arc website (arc.net). To download Arc:
- Go to arc.net on any web browser.
- Click on the prominent “Download Arc” button on the homepage. This will start the download of the Arc browser installer DMG file.
- Once downloaded, open the Arc .dmg file and drag the Arc icon into your Applications folder to install.
- Open Arc from your Applications folder or Launchpad. The first time you open Arc, you will be asked to create an Arc account with your email address before you can start browsing.
That’s it! Arc is now ready for you to start using. Its vertical tabbed sidebar makes it very different from Chrome or Safari so it may take some getting used to. Arc is built exclusively for modern macOS versions 12.1 Monterey and higher. It works great on both Intel and Apple silicon Macs. Arc leverages unique macOS technologies like SwiftUI and AppKit to enable delightful and optimized browsing.
Be sure to read through Arc’s in-app resources and introductory guide to learn about all of its unique features.
Download Arc Browser for iOS
To download the Arc iOS app, you will need an iOS device running iOS 15 or later. You can find the app in the App Store by searching for “Arc”. The app is free to download.
Follow these steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
- Search for “Arc Browser”
- Tap the download button next to Arc Browser Companion
- The app will install – you may be asked to enter your Apple ID info
- Once installed, Arc icon will be added to your home screen
Once downloaded, you can log in with your Arc account if you already have one, or create a new account directly in the iOS app. Your account will sync bookmarks, tabs, and other data across devices.
On iOS, Arc does not replace the default Safari browser. Instead, it acts as a companion to transfer content between the desktop Arc browser for Mac and your iPhone or iPad on-the-go.
The app does not currently offer a full web browsing experience or the ability to set it as your default iOS browser. But it enables continuity between browsing on your Mac and iOS devices
Download Arc Browser for Android/APK
Currently there is no version of Arc browser available for Android devices. An official Arc browser app for Android is under consideration by Arc’s engineering team. However, there has been no official announcement regarding development of an Android version, so there is no set timeline for if or when development may begin. Porting Arc’s many platform-dependent features like Boosts, Easels, and Deep Safari integration to Android poses significant technical challenges.
Download Arc Browser Windows 10/11
The makers of Arc, New York-based startup The Browser Company, have confirmed plans to launch Arc on Windows PCs by the end of 2023. However, an official Windows download is not yet available as of December 2023.
Some details on the potential Windows release:
- It will support both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- It will be a native Windows app written in Swift programming language instead of C++ like most Windows software. This ensures optimal performance.
- It will support all of Arc’s core features like Spaces, Boosts, Easels, and more out of the box.
- The user experience and interface will be nearly identical to the macOS version given Arc’s use of proprietary UI frameworks.
The Arc team plans to support automatic cross-device sync between Windows, macOS, and iOS using iCloud once the Windows app launches. This would keep your Arc data consistent across PCs and mobile devices.
Note: We will add a direct download link to the official release as soon as it’s available.
Download Arc Browser for Ubuntu (Linux)
There has been no announcement regarding development of an official Arc browser app for Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora.
However, tech savvy Linux users could potentially access Arc web in Ubuntu by Installing Wine or CrossOver to run the macOS application on Ubuntu. Performance and stability may vary.
If Arc does expand to Linux in the future, Ubuntu would likely be one of the first distributions supported given its large user base and popularity for developers.
Is Arc Browser a good choice for me?
Arc has some interesting features that may make it a good choice depending on your needs and preferences.
The main advantages of Arc are:
- Vertical tab sidebar: Arc uses a unique vertical tab design that neatly organizes all your open tabs. This can help reduce tab clutter compared to horizontal tab rows.
- Built-in productivity tools: Arc includes features like an easel for collecting screenshots and notes, boosts to customize sites, and spaces to organize tabs. These tools aim to enhance productivity.
- Privacy protections: Arc blocks ads and trackers by default and doesn’t store browsing history or share search data. This makes it more private.
However, there are also some downsides currently:
- Limited platform support: Arc is only available on Mac and iOS right now. Windows and Android support is still in development.
- Need an account: You have to sign up for an Arc account to use the browser, which some may dislike.
- Less extension support: Since it’s Chromium-based, Arc supports Chrome extensions but has less choice than mature browsers.
Arc shows promise but may not suit all users yet. It offers useful innovations if you value built-in productivity features and visual tab organization. But platform and extension support is still growing. Trying the free version is the best way to decide if Arc meets your browsing needs.
What is the current version number for Arc browser?
According to Arc’s release notes, the latest version for macOS is version 1.20.0, which was released on December 7, 2023. This is the most up-to-date stable version available to download currently.
Some of the new features and improvements in version 1.20.0 include:
- Full URLs in toolbar
- Smoother window resizing
- Persistent capture button for easels
- Exiting Peek view with Esc key
- Portrait mode screenshots
- JSON formatter extension
- Faster loading of favicons
- Allowing extensions in incognito
Is Arc browser free to download?
Yes, Arc browser is completely free to download and use. There is no paid “pro” version or subscription model.
The Browser Company offers Arc as a freeware download. You simply need to create a free Arc account with your email address to get started.
There are no hidden charges, premium features locked behind a paywall, or obligations to pay anything. The core Arc browser will remain free according to its developers.
Where can I find and download older versions of Arc browser if needed?
If you need to download an older version of the Arc web browser, there are a few options:
Go to the Arc website’s Release Notes page (arc.net/releasenotes)
This page lists every Arc release with details on new features and bug fixes. Each entry includes a badge showing the release date and version number.
You can scroll through the Release Notes to find the specific version you want. And then go to their Discord server for to look for direct download links:
https://discord.gg/arcinternet
Wayback Machine
You can try web archive sites like Wayback Machine to access previous iterations of Arc’s website. Navigate to arc.net on dates corresponding to past releases. See if download links are available.
Your Download folder
Alternatively, if you previously installed the Arc version you need, you can try finding the .dmg file on your computer through Spotlight or Finder search. As long as you kept the installation file, you should be able to reinstall that release using the original .dmg even if it’s no longer hosted online.
Can I download Arc Browser on my Chromebook?
The Arc browser is not currently available to download and install natively on Chromebooks. As of December 2023, Arc only has official browser versions for macOS and iOS. A Windows release is planned for late 2023, but there has been no announcement regarding Chrome OS support.
The only fully reliable way to use Arc on a Chromebook currently is by streaming from a remote desktop running Arc. As long as you have Arc installed on a separate desktop or laptop with remote access enabled, you can view and control Arc through your Chromebook screen. It requires decent Internet connectivity for a fluid experience.
Unless Chrome OS compatibility is added in the future, the streaming workaround is currently the only way to mimic Arc browser functionality on a Chromebook.
Can I use Arc Browser on my iPad?
Yes, there is an iOS mobile app for Arc Browser that can be installed on iPads. iPad users can enjoy Arc’s tab management paradigm and synced tab access. But actual web browsing still relies on the native Safari app. The mobile Arc app is not a fully self-contained web browser replacement on the iPad.
you can utilize an iPad to view and organize tab content synced from the macOS Arc browser. But actual web page rendering is still done through iPadOS’s built-in Safari browser.
When you tap a link in the Arc iOS app, it will open the page in Safari. There is no option to view or interact with web content directly within Arc on an iPad.
How can I get the latest version of Arc Browser?
The latest stable release of the Arc web browser can be downloaded directly from the official Arc website at arc.net. On the homepage, click the prominent “Download Arc” button near the top. You’ll see the current version number listed as the partial name of the downloaded.dmg file.
The DMG file contains the full Arc browser installer. Once downloaded, open the DMG file and run the Arc installer it contains to install the application on your Mac. Arc releases updates around once every 2 weeks, so check back at arc.net periodically or watch the update feed in the Arc sidebar to stay current with the latest version.
What is the file size of the Arc Browser installer?
The download size of the macOS Arc browser DMG installer file is approximately 357 MB. However, the amount of disk space required after installing Arc depends on the version. As of Version 1.20.0, the application requires around 400 MB of storage space on your Mac.
Each update also temporarily uses additional disk space during installation to unpack files, optimizing about 1 GB during this process. But after setup completes, the installer files are removed, leaving only the main Arc application folder using space on your Mac. So make sure to keep sufficient free disk space for installing updates without issue.
Are there any portable versions of Arc Browser available for download?
Currently, there are no portable or thumb drive-ready versions of Arc available to run directly from external drives without a full installation. As of December 2023, The Browser Company has only released a standard DMG file installer for macOS systems through the Arc website.
On the other hand, Arc does allow you to easily export and import browser data to transfer profiles, settings, and other information between installations. This could simulate some functionality of a portable browser by moving Arc data to external drives.
Are there any alternative ways to download Arc Browser besides the official website?
The official website at arc.net is the only verified source for downloading the macOS and the yet-to-be-released Windows versions of Arc. Downloading from there ensures you get the authentic software.
There are a few alternative ways to download the Arc browser besides going to the official website at arc.net:
App Store: Arc has a companion iOS app available on the App Store.
Arc’s official Discord server: Arc hosts all the older versions for manual downloads there at https://discord.gg/arcinternet
How can I verify the integrity of the Arc Browser download file?
The main way to verify integrity is to ensure you are downloading from the valid arc.net domain.
Other methods you can follow to verify the integrity of the downloaded file before installation include:
Check Code Signing On macOS: right-click the .dmg file and select “Get Info.” Go to “General” and look under “Signing.” It should be signed by “The Browser Company Inc.” with their Developer ID certificate. This verifies it came from the real company.
Match File Hashes: The Arc download page provides SHA-256 hashes to check the file hashes before and after downloading. Generate a hash manually from your downloaded file and compare to the ones listed to verify they match.
Scan with Antivirus: Run a scan with updated antivirus software to check for viruses, malware, or other threats before attempting installation.
Monitoring Downloads: Keep an eye out for sudden changes to the download file size, name, date, or other attributes which could indicate tampering.
References
- Arc IOS app from App store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arc-mobile-companion/id1669785846
- Arc on Mac Release notes: https://start.arc.net/release-notes
- How do I download Arc from Arc’s help center: https://resources.arc.net/en/articles/8059630-how-do-i-download-arc
- Arc | Mobile Companion: https://resources.arc.net/en/articles/7207765-arc-mobile-companion
- Arc Compatibility: https://resources.arc.net/en/articles/8129637-arc-compatibility
