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Tech • • 2 min read

Mozilla to Shut Down "Pocket"

Mozilla to Shut Down "Pocket"
Pocket app on a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone (Edvardi Jackson/The World Telegram News Photo)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (THE WORLD TELEGRAM NEWS) – Tech company Mozilla has announced it will discontinue Pocket, its read-it-later service, on July 8. The company cited evolving user habits and a strategic shift toward AI-powered browser enhancements as reasons for the shutdown, stating, “We’re looking ahead to focusing on new Firefox features that people need most.”

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Read more about the shutdown here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/future-of-pocket

Pocket was originally launched in 2007 as "Read It Later" and was acquired by Mozilla in 2017 after being integrated into Firefox in 2015. The app allowed users to save web content for later reading.

On May 22, Pocket’s web extension and app were removed from app stores. Users who downloaded Pocket previously can reinstall the app until Oct. 8. After that, all user data will be permanently deleted. Subscriptions will be automatically canceled, with prorated refunds issued for annual plans.

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Note: On Android devices, users can still download Pocket by installing an APK file from third-party sources such as Uptodown, even though the app has been removed from the Google Play Store. However, users should exercise caution when downloading APKs from unofficial sources, as these files may pose security risks.

In response to the shutdown, Digg founder Kevin Rose expressed interest in acquiring Pocket. On May 22, he posted on X, writing, “We love Pocket at Digg,” and followed up on May 28, adding, “Please don’t shutter @Pocket, happy to cover all hosting and migration costs to keep it alive. We will retool on modern infra and most importantly ‘do no harm,’ keeping the product clean and stable. DMs open.”

Alternatives to Pocket

For users seeking alternatives to Pocket, several options are available:

  • Instapaper: A minimalist, ad-free service with features like offline reading, full-text search and Kindle integration. It offers a simple interface and syncing across devices.
  • Raindrop.io: A bookmark manager with multiple viewing formats, collaborative features and AI suggestions under its Pro tier. It caters to power users seeking advanced organization tools.
  • Omnivore: An open-source, free service supporting highlights, notes, RSS and newsletter subscriptions. It integrates with tools such as Obsidian, Logseq and Notion, making it suitable for users seeking a customizable experience.
  • GoodLinks: A Mac-exclusive app focused on a clean reading experience with features like highlighting and offline access. It's ideal for users seeking a distraction-free environment.
  • Wallabag: An open-source, self-hostable solution for tech-savvy users, allowing extensive customization through rule-based tagging. It offers modest subscription costs after a free trial.

Users are encouraged to export their saved items from Pocket before the shutdown to ensure a smooth transition to an alternative.

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