Pour one out for Arc: One of the most hyped browsers is shutting down for good

The writing has been on the wall for a while now, and it’s just been confirmed that one of the most hyped-up browsers is being shut down. The browser I’m talking about is Arc, and its days are numbered.

We reported last year that The Browser Company had stopped active development on Arc to focus on an AI-first browser called Dia. Since then, Arc has been in maintenance mode, receiving only security updates and bug fixes. Now, the company is ready to take Arc off life support altogether, and we have a clear timeline of what’s happening next.

The development is highlighted on the Arc website. It clarifies that the shutdown will take place in a few stages, starting today, Thursday, October 22. The browser will now no longer allow users to create new Arc accounts. That’s important because unlike major browsers like Chrome, you cannot browse on Arc unless you have an account and are logged in. Considering that people can’t create new accounts starting today, this is the end of the road for new users looking to try out Arc before it’s ultimately shut down.

I checked, and even though the menu to create a new Arc account is still up, it keeps returning a “Something went wrong” error.

Existing Arc users can continue using the browser as usual. The latest version of Arc also adds an option to export all of your data out of Arc. And although you can export your data to any other compatible browser, you’ll have a “smoother import” experience if you’re moving to Dia. The company added that your passwords, bookmarks, extensions, history, Spaces, Folders, and Tab Groups can all be exported to Dia.

The next stage of the shutdown is scheduled for November 23. Starting then, Arc Search users on Android and iOS will lose Browse for Me and “other AI features.” Arc Search will still function as a regular mobile browser, but you won’t be able to sign in or sync tabs. That sounds like you might want to avoid signing out of your account after November 23 because you might not be able to get back in.

December 22 is when the browser shuts down for good, at least on desktops. In The Browser company’s exact words, “You will no longer be able to access or use Arc on macOS or Windows. Arc accounts will be deactivated, with their personal data deleted within 30 days. Arc Search for Android will be pulled from the Google Play Store.”

In a subsequent section, the company added that Arc Search will also be removed from the Android device it’s already installed on. Although it did not explicitly say that the browser will be removed from Apple’s App Store, that will likely be the case, too.

It’s an unfortunate ending for a browser that once amassed so much hype. According to the Browser Company, keeping a browser secure in the age of AI needs constant, dedicated work, and now that the focus has shifted to Dia, it doesn’t make sense for the company to dedicate resources to maintain Arc.

Are you planning to jump to Dia, or do you have a different browser in mind? Let us know in the comments below!