Mozilla has announced it will sunset Pocket, its popular read-it-later service, on July 8, 2025, citing a strategic shift in how users interact with content online.
Pocket will move into an export-only mode after this date, and all user data will be permanently deleted by October 8, 2025.
The decision to discontinue Pocket marks the end of an era for a service that once helped tens of millions organize and rediscover quality content from around the web. Initially launched as “Read It Later” in 2007, Pocket was rebranded in 2012 and later acquired by Mozilla in 2017. Under Mozilla, the service evolved from a simple bookmarking tool into a content recommendation engine integrated into Firefox’s New Tab experience and a popular email newsletter.
Mozilla's shutdown announcement comes amid broader organizational efforts to reallocate resources to better align with current user habits. According to the company, evolving web browsing patterns have diminished the relevance of standalone save-for-later apps. Going forward, Mozilla plans to focus on enhancing content discovery via the Firefox browser, including the continuation of curated recommendations and the recently rebranded Ten Tabs newsletter (formerly Pocket Hits).
Pocket's influence has been substantial. It expanded content recommendations into over a dozen countries and supported five languages. Its editorial work won industry accolades, including a Webby Award in 2020 and an Anthem Award in 2023. The platform also provided visibility for local journalism and topics like digital wellbeing and algorithmic accountability through hundreds of themed content collections.
Pocket was removed from app stores and new user sign-ups were disabled starting yesterday. Existing users will retain access to the app and browser extensions until July 8, after which Pocket transitions into an export-only phase. During this period, users can download their saved content, including archived items, notes, and highlights, until the final deletion deadline on October 8.
Pocket Premium subscribers will receive prorated refunds automatically. Monthly users will continue to access Premium features through the remainder of their billing cycle but won’t be charged further. Annual subscribers will have their plans canceled and refunded based on unused time after the shutdown date.
The Pocket API will also be decommissioned. From October 8, API-driven apps and services will no longer be able to access user data or perform actions like saving, tagging, or deleting articles. Developers relying on Pocket's API are advised to export data and begin transitioning their services immediately.
For those who used Pocket as a daily reading hub, Mozilla encourages migrating content and subscribing to Ten Tabs, which will continue delivering curated links Monday through Friday. The weekly digest and weekend editions, however, are being discontinued.
Leave a Reply