Arc browser to stop working on December 22 as team shifts to Dia

The Browser Company will shut down its Arc browser on December 22, 2026, directing users toward Dia as it shifts engineering and security resources to its newer browser.

Announced on October 22, the decision gives existing users two months to migrate. On the shutdown date, Arc for Windows and macOS will stop working, not just stop receiving updates, and all Arc accounts will be deactivated.

The company attributed the move to growing browser security demands, saying maintaining protection requires increasingly dedicated work in the AI era. It claims Dia now outperforms Arc in stability, speed, and security, while stressing that its AI features are optional and the browser features familiar to Arc users remain free.

Dia is an AI-focused web browser for Windows and macOS developed by the same team behind Arc. It integrates an AI assistant that can answer questions using content from browser tabs, alongside conventional features such as vertical tabs, profiles, and tab groups. Its developer, The Browser Company, became part of Atlassian in October 2025.

Shutdown rolls out in stages

New Arc account registrations have already closed. On November 23, Arc Search on iOS and Android will lose its AI features, including Browse for Me, alongside account sign-in and synchronization. Desktop users will begin seeing shutdown reminders.

On December 22, Arc’s desktop applications and services will stop working. The company says Arc Search for Android will also be removed from Google Play and installed devices. The iOS version will continue functioning as a basic mobile browser.

Users have until December 15 to request a copy of account-related personal data or ask for its deletion. Those copies exclude locally stored browsing history and passwords, which require a separate migration. Personal data associated with deactivated Arc accounts will be deleted within 30 days.

Moving to Dia has limitations

Dia’s importer transfers passwords, bookmarks, history, cookies, extensions, and open tabs. Arc Spaces become Dia Profiles, while folders become pinned Tab Groups. Favorites and pinned tabs retain their custom names.

However, the migration does not preserve everything. Easels, Boosts, and other Arc-exclusive features do not transfer, nor do saved payment methods or autofill data. Nested folders become separate Tab Groups because Dia does not support nesting them. Users should keep Arc installed until the import finishes.

Those considering Dia should also review its privacy settings. Its security documentation says AI requests can send relevant page content to external model providers. Content sharing to improve Dia is enabled by default but can be disabled in settings; the company says its AI partners are contractually barred from retaining data or using it to train their models.

Arc users choosing another browser can export their Spaces and tabs as a list of links through the Advanced section of desktop settings.