Arc is great but it needs to improve.
I’ve had a delightful experience using Arc Browser on macOS. Its design is truly exquisite, and I personally prefer it to Chrome. However, I’ve noticed that the iOS version lacks the ability to install extensions and doesn’t seem to offer the full range of features available on the desktop version. There appears to be significant room for improvement in the mobile experience.
Additionally, I have a query regarding the browser’s search functionality. The inability to change the default search engine is quite limiting, especially for Chinese users like myself who cannot access Google without special networking conditions. I believe it would be greatly beneficial to implement a simple settings interface that allows users to select their preferred search engine. This would enhance the browser’s appeal and usability for a broader audience.
(Translated by ChatGLM-4, an LLM trained by ZhipuAI& THUDM)
Additionally, I have a query regarding the browser’s search functionality. The inability to change the default search engine is quite limiting, especially for Chinese users like myself who cannot access Google without special networking conditions. I believe it would be greatly beneficial to implement a simple settings interface that allows users to select their preferred search engine. This would enhance the browser’s appeal and usability for a broader audience.
(Translated by ChatGLM-4, an LLM trained by ZhipuAI& THUDM)
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Frustrating Mobile App
While I love the desktop app, and that seems where they are focused. The app is a frustrating disconnect from the desktop app. The UI takes some frustrating discovery. The pull down to view spaces is not easy to use. When I am logged in a gmail profile you can reset the cookies on the page. I hate the whole auto archive the pages. You view a page come back later and its gone. And there is no visual board to see any of your pages. This leaves me to continue using the Brave or Safary browser cause at least all my tabs are visible and I can have control of the data and privacy of the pages I view.
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Very basic, but that’s a good thing.
The common complaint I’ve seen with this app is the simplicity. You’re not able to do a lot of things as you can with other mobile browsers… but I love it!
Personally, I have a problem with having too many tabs open on my phone. Before this app, I had like 100 I never used and likely never would. Now, I literally have one tab open ever, since this app makes it difficult to keep them open.
My only complaint is the speed. It seems to take a little bit to load a tab, definitely slower than other browsers.
Personally, I have a problem with having too many tabs open on my phone. Before this app, I had like 100 I never used and likely never would. Now, I literally have one tab open ever, since this app makes it difficult to keep them open.
My only complaint is the speed. It seems to take a little bit to load a tab, definitely slower than other browsers.
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Definitely a “companion”
So first things to point out: this isn’t meant to be a full replacement for a browser, thus why they put the word “companion” into the app title. As a companion, it works enough. From anywhere with a share menu, you can add links to your Arc spaces, those show up on your Mac, and you of course can see and access your spaces within the app as well. One strange omission is the ability to see your favorites. You can only see pinned tabs. This where it comes from 5-star to 4-star. There is also web functionality built into this app, but it’s just the basics for quick peeks into your open tabs in arc. This is also where this app becomes a 3-star instead of a 4-star. Given this is a companion app, I would’ve been fine with the basics only, but you can’t change the search engine, and the default is Google. Given the otherwise great Privacy Policy from Arc, not being able to switch from Google is disappointing. You can still type direct urls in the search bar though, so I can use an alternative with an extra step each search. I’d really like to see the ability to switch search engines though. As expected from the Arc team, the UI is wonderful and built like it was meant for a smartphone. It’s fast and easy to get around. Overall, I like the app, and can’t wait to see a full Arc browser on mobile down the road.
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Arc on iphone is awesome, but not today
First of all I want to say, that I hate writing reviews on apps, by the way this is my first one.
Arc is marvellous on Mac, I’ve started using it recently and the thing about spaces, folders, notes, boosts and so on is great.
I’ve decided to fully change my basic browser on all my devices, but when i downloaded it on Iphone I was shocked… Arc is empty on Iphone unfortunately. I mean it can be used as a browsing machine, but it can’t be used as a basic browser on Iphone instead of safari.
Dear Developers, please keep updating Arc and create the best browser.
Arc is marvellous on Mac, I’ve started using it recently and the thing about spaces, folders, notes, boosts and so on is great.
I’ve decided to fully change my basic browser on all my devices, but when i downloaded it on Iphone I was shocked… Arc is empty on Iphone unfortunately. I mean it can be used as a browsing machine, but it can’t be used as a basic browser on Iphone instead of safari.
Dear Developers, please keep updating Arc and create the best browser.
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Good, but needs to be a full browser
I get that Apple requires iOS browsers to run on WebKit, which makes it difficult to develop Arc into a full browser on mobile while you’re also trying to create a Windows desktop version of Arc and dealing with routine updates and bug fixes on macOS.
But. I would really, really love to be able to make Arc my default browser on iOS and do basic browser things like change the default search engine (Google, no thanks). Getting all my pinned tabs is great, and so is pinning pages from mobile Safari for desktop viewing later. But I’m ready to cut out the middleman.
For context, I’d been using Safari as my default desktop browser for like, ever, until Arc came around. Because it was good my purposes and I can’t abide Chrome or the design-challenged Chromium alternatives. Arc has converted me. Let’s finish the transition.
But. I would really, really love to be able to make Arc my default browser on iOS and do basic browser things like change the default search engine (Google, no thanks). Getting all my pinned tabs is great, and so is pinning pages from mobile Safari for desktop viewing later. But I’m ready to cut out the middleman.
For context, I’d been using Safari as my default desktop browser for like, ever, until Arc came around. Because it was good my purposes and I can’t abide Chrome or the design-challenged Chromium alternatives. Arc has converted me. Let’s finish the transition.
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Was questionable
At first I discovered arc on Mac on my way to finding a more simplistic web browser that didn’t sacrifice in the UI department. That was not arc. I found arc to have a massive learning curve, and while it was pretty, it wasn’t what I was looking for. This is. This is a heavily slimmed down browser experience that gives you what you need and nothing more, and it’s intuitive as heck. Time to go check out the desktop browser again.
Two caveats though. Firstly, I hope the account sign in requirement goes away when this leaves whatever beta it’s in, and two, I can’t set arc as my default browser. It’s not on the list. What gives?
Two caveats though. Firstly, I hope the account sign in requirement goes away when this leaves whatever beta it’s in, and two, I can’t set arc as my default browser. It’s not on the list. What gives?
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Could be great
I’m really liking Arc’s UI but particularly on desktop. The mobile version for iOS, I assume because it’s labeled a companion, is a lot more limited which is understandable due to the form factor. There are some little nitpicks I have such as Arc not being able to be selected as a default browser. I can do this on Mac, but it’s not an option on iPhone. Again, I think it’s just because this is supposed to be a companion for the desktop version. I’d just like to see more done with this mobile app to make it more of its own like how Safari, Chrome, and Firefox have specific mobile versions that don’t feel like as much of a compromise.
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Great on Desktop, Missing features on mobile
I love the Arc browser. I have changed over to arc on desktop and it has been huge for my productivity and focus. It’s the cleanest and most efficient browser one can use. It is also beautiful. However, the mobile app is lacking in features. I big one: the commonly used bookmarks that pin to the top of the desktop browser are not visible on mobile, cutting out several bookmarks or go to sites from the mobile experience. Bit of a bummer considering how nice this feature is on desktop and how much of a visual representation it is of Arcs features.
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A waitlist for a browser‽
I saw an article praising this on the Mac, so when I saw it was on iOS, I jumped in to test it. Like a frozen lake, I didn't get very far into it. Instantly disappointed that there's a waitlist for a browser. That indicates to me one of three things: they're concerned they can't handle new users and thus Arc should still be in TestFlight, they're trying to build hype by artificially limiting access to a native app, or they're trying to collect your data. It also seems to *require* an account to work. Real browsers don't need your email address to function, and neither does this company. But with all that said, we need innovation and competition in the browser space, so I'm leaving an extra star for the attempt. Once this vendor comes to its senses, I'll be happy to try again. For now, it's not worth handing over a single bit of personally-identifiable information for free.
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I love Arc. Just needs a few more things.
I love the concept of Arc. The UI is amazing and it very simple to use. Let me be clear I use Arc mainly on my iPhone so I don’t know if some of the features I would like to see exist in the Mac version.
1. Please let us set a default browser that is also our home page when you open the app.
2. Private tab? Anyone…
3. Add reload page functionality like safari by swiping down to reload. Or I’ll accept any other gesture.
4. More themes and icons. True dark mode theme please. Also split icons and themes. Don’t make them a package deal.
I really love this app but some of the functionality needs work. Things like reloading a page and setting a default browser require you to do extra taps instead of just using a gesture for reload and having your default browser as a homepage when you open Arc.
1. Please let us set a default browser that is also our home page when you open the app.
2. Private tab? Anyone…
3. Add reload page functionality like safari by swiping down to reload. Or I’ll accept any other gesture.
4. More themes and icons. True dark mode theme please. Also split icons and themes. Don’t make them a package deal.
I really love this app but some of the functionality needs work. Things like reloading a page and setting a default browser require you to do extra taps instead of just using a gesture for reload and having your default browser as a homepage when you open Arc.
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Enjoy Arc Desktop, Hate the App
People don’t have desktops in their pocket. The fact you need to access a desktop to use this app conveniently makes no sense being it’s used on a phone. In 2023, people use desktop apps when they’re in front of a desktop or their laptop, people use mobile apps when they’re not. The whole idea behind this (mobile) app needing both is almost dumbfounding being it’s built for a blend of access tool that doesn’t even exist yet at this level, nor does the market, which is why it totally fails as an idea and (MOBILE) app. I enjoy Arc desktop, hate this app. Total disappointment.
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Arc iOS lacks all the basic features of a web browser
I love using Arc on desktop, it has become my go-to browser, replacing Chrome after 15 years.
However, the iOS version of Arc is nowhere near being a Chrome replacement, or even Safari for that matter. I mean… in any mobile web browser you’d expect (at the bare minimum) the ability to have multiple browsing tabs. Arc does not. Want to set Arc as your default browser for when you click on links? You can’t. Wanna browse incognito? You can’t. Do you want your browsing history to sync across devices? Too bad.
It feels like Arc on iOS is a pre-alpha product, lacking very key features that anyone would need in a basic mobile browser.
I sincerely hope this app gets more attention from their development team, because I love using the desktop version. However, it’s just not possible to live with Arc iOS as a standalone browser.
However, the iOS version of Arc is nowhere near being a Chrome replacement, or even Safari for that matter. I mean… in any mobile web browser you’d expect (at the bare minimum) the ability to have multiple browsing tabs. Arc does not. Want to set Arc as your default browser for when you click on links? You can’t. Wanna browse incognito? You can’t. Do you want your browsing history to sync across devices? Too bad.
It feels like Arc on iOS is a pre-alpha product, lacking very key features that anyone would need in a basic mobile browser.
I sincerely hope this app gets more attention from their development team, because I love using the desktop version. However, it’s just not possible to live with Arc iOS as a standalone browser.
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One weird quirk… maybe two
Before I say anything else, I love Arc. The whole UI, the concept of having different spaces for different purposes, the customization, hotkeys, everything. For desktop, 10/10. For iPhone 8/10 and I think it will be 10/10 really soon with two small fixes.
First, and this should be an easy one. Why can’t you set it as the default browser in the settings for iPhone? I can do it for Chrome, Firefox, etc. But go into the settings and it’s nowhere to be found. Idk if this is restriction from Apple or something inherit in the system but it needs to change ASAP if you want to increase usage. My default onClick still opens in Safari and that isn’t great.
Second is a little harder, the transition between tabs. On desktop you have the luxury of room for menus and sidebars, but on mobile it’s tricky. As a user it feels clunky when I need to switch tabs that I have to pin something, close it, open a new one and then go back to the tab, finish what I’m doing and remove the pin. I don’t have a great solution, but in it’s current form it feels like double the effort it should. I’m confident it’ll get there because you’ve nailed the UI on everything else. It’s a tough problem, I get it.
All in all, still recommend completely. I’m sold. Poke me when one of those features is changed and I’ll change it to a 5. Keep up the great work folks!
First, and this should be an easy one. Why can’t you set it as the default browser in the settings for iPhone? I can do it for Chrome, Firefox, etc. But go into the settings and it’s nowhere to be found. Idk if this is restriction from Apple or something inherit in the system but it needs to change ASAP if you want to increase usage. My default onClick still opens in Safari and that isn’t great.
Second is a little harder, the transition between tabs. On desktop you have the luxury of room for menus and sidebars, but on mobile it’s tricky. As a user it feels clunky when I need to switch tabs that I have to pin something, close it, open a new one and then go back to the tab, finish what I’m doing and remove the pin. I don’t have a great solution, but in it’s current form it feels like double the effort it should. I’m confident it’ll get there because you’ve nailed the UI on everything else. It’s a tough problem, I get it.
All in all, still recommend completely. I’m sold. Poke me when one of those features is changed and I’ll change it to a 5. Keep up the great work folks!
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Excellent First Try
I feel like a lot of people are being unfair in how they’re reviewing it. Arc didn’t set out to make a standalone mobile browser. That’s why it’s called “Mobile Companion”. I feel like the word companion would indicate the fact that it isn’t supposed to be a replacement for your daily driver. It’s great to reference the state of your Mac when you’re out and about.
In the future they intend to flesh this out into something more stand-alone. In the mean time, this is an excellent first try.
In the future they intend to flesh this out into something more stand-alone. In the mean time, this is an excellent first try.
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Recent update screwed up syncing
The most useful and fundamental thing about this companion app is for acting as a “dreading list center” and I really enjoined using it. (Would love give a five star just for that!)
Recently for some reason I constantly getting “ Arc is having trouble getting new data, but will try again soon.” error message whenever I want to pin something from another app.
This took away the core functionality of arc mobile and I really want the team to fix this ASAP. And please double, triple check with this in future updates!!
Recently for some reason I constantly getting “ Arc is having trouble getting new data, but will try again soon.” error message whenever I want to pin something from another app.
This took away the core functionality of arc mobile and I really want the team to fix this ASAP. And please double, triple check with this in future updates!!
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Refreshing
im not the first to say that this app is feature-deprived. Like itd be nice if i could change my default search engine. Thats the only complaint i have. ive thoroughly Loved using arc on ios. The snappiness alone makes it perfect for just looking things up on the fly, and the fact that your tabs arent saved unless you pin them is kinda ingenious in a way. Means i can't accidentally build up 30 tabs of garbage like i usually do on my mobile browsers. It's completely clutter free, much like arc for desktop. It's perfect, at least for me
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I’m all in on Arc, but mobile is a head scratcher
I’m in love with Arc and it’s become my primary browser, but the iOS app feels very weirdly neutered. Just as one example, it’s very difficult to simply open a new tab, navigate to something, then preserve that tab on either my iOS device to open again later or pick up on the desktop app. I know that they talk about the iOS app being built not to replace your mobile browser but to give you access to your bookmarks, but that’s splitting hairs. This could replace Safari for me, but they seem to have left out a few small but key capabilities (on purpose!)
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Tabs?
I don’t usually write reviews but I wanted to concur with the other users here. I love the desktop version of this app. It’s wonderful. It is NOT wonderful on my phone. As far as I can tell, you can’t keep more than one tab open in your timed section. I don’t understand why. It makes using this browser really hard. Most of the time, I don’t need or want to pin my tab. I would love it if the timed section worked more like the spaces where I can have multiple tabs open at the same time. I know the Arc team puts out updates all the time. I’m hoping they address this problem soon.
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Not ready for prime time yet.
If you are a power Arc user like me, this app is not going to change your iPhone life as it did for your Mac. Basically this is just a tabs wallet. You want to see your tabs organized as a gallery? Go ahead and download this. If you want to access your workspaces and be able to update and interact so when you get to the office everything will be synced…. Don’t even try to download this app. Useless. Passwords doesn’t sync, favorites doesn’t sync and what is worst Easels won’t be editable on your iPhone. It’s not ready. That’s all. Just Wait.
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