Firefox edges out Microsoft globally for first time in browser wars

Meanwhile Google’s Chrome boosts share worldwide

San Francisco, CA, 17th May, 2016: Firefox narrowly overtook Microsoft’s combined Internet Explorer (IE) and Edge browsers for the first time globally in April in terms of desktop internet usage, according to independent web analytics company StatCounter.

Its analytics arm, StatCounter Global Stats finds that Firefox took 15.6% of worldwide desktop browser usage in April compared to a combined 15.5% for IE and Edge. Google’s Chrome continues to lead the way with 60.5% worldwide.

“Microsoft might have expected a boost to its overall browser share as the result of the launch of the Windows 10 with Edge but it hasn’t happened to date,” commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO, StatCounter. “Chrome has continued to gain share globally.”

StatCounter data finds that Chrome increased worldwide internet usage from 53% in April last year to 60.5% in 2016 on the desktop and from 44.3% to 47.4% across all platforms.

Desktop: http://gs.statcounter.com/#desktop-browser-ww-monthly-201504-201604

All platforms: http://gs.statcounter.com/#all-browser-ww-monthly-201504-201604

In the US, IE and Edge combined (25.2%) are still ahead of Firefox (13.4%) for desktop internet usage in April. Google Chrome leads on 51.6%.

http://gs.statcounter.com/#desktop-browser-US-monthly-201604-201604-bar

Similarly in the UK, Chrome is leading on 54.2%. IE and Edge combined have 21.8% and Firefox is in third place with 13.2%.

http://gs.statcounter.com/#desktop-browser-GB-monthly-201604-201604-bar

StatCounter Global Stats data is based on over 15 billion page views per month to over three million websites. Further information: http://gs.statcounter.com/faq

StatCounter’s (http://statcounter.com) core business is to provide companies, agencies, bloggers, self-employed and charities with data to measure activity on their website, blog or forum. Key features include a free option, ease of use, independence and ability to view individual visitors in real time.

Ends

For interview with Aodhan Cullen, photo or press queries:

Ronnie Simpson, Simpson Consulting PR

E:ronnie@simpsonconsulting.ie Mobile: +353 86 855 9410