TL;DR
Kagi has published an alpha build of its Orion browser for Linux, intended for testing and feedback. The release includes core visual UI, tab and bookmark features, session persistence, history handling and a password-management framework, but lacks extension and sync support.
What happened
Kagi made an alpha release of the Orion browser for Linux available via its support pages on January 9, 2026. The build is explicitly described as an early, unstable version meant mainly for testing. Visual elements such as menus, dialogs, buttons, toolbars, right-click menus and basic window controls are present. Basic website navigation works, including home, tabs and simple searches. Tab functionality has been expanded: tabs can open in parallel, operate independently and persist across launches with history restored, and tabs are visible in both the main window and a left sidebar. The release also adds a simple bookmarks system with folder organization and a bookmarks bar and dialog, plus advanced history handling. A foundational password-management framework and local import/export via files are included. Not yet implemented are WebKit extension support, a sync infrastructure and the Tab Switcher UI.
Why it matters
- Linux users gain early access to a new browser build to test core features and report issues.
- Session persistence and independent tabs provide a more continuous browsing experience across restarts.
- Built-in bookmarks, history tools and a password framework lay groundwork for everyday usability.
- Absence of extension and sync support limits the release’s readiness for users who rely on those features.
Key facts
- Alpha release intended primarily for testing and described as unstable.
- Core visual components implemented: menus, dialogs, buttons, toolbars and context menus.
- Basic website navigation supported: homepage, tabs and simple searches.
- Advanced tab management implemented except for the Tab Switcher UI.
- Tabs can open in parallel, function independently and persist with history across launches.
- Tabs are supported in the main window and in a left sidebar.
- Bookmarks feature allows saving pages, organizing into folders and viewing in a dialog, sidebar and bar.
- Advanced history handling is available.
- A password-management framework is present along with local export/import via file.
- WebKit extension support and Sync infrastructure are not implemented in this alpha.
What to watch next
- Addition of the Tab Switcher UI to complete tab-management features.
- Introduction of WebKit extension support to enable browser extensions.
- Development and deployment of a sync infrastructure for cross-device data syncing.
- Enhancements and security improvements to the password-management system.
Quick glossary
- Alpha: An early software release intended for internal or limited testing; features may be incomplete and stability is not guaranteed.
- Session persistence: A feature that restores open tabs and their history when an application is relaunched.
- WebKit: A browser engine used to render web pages; support for WebKit extensions allows certain add-ons or integrations.
- Sync infrastructure: Backend services and protocols that keep user data—such as bookmarks and passwords—consistent across devices.
Reader FAQ
Is this Orion build stable enough for daily use?
No; the release is labeled alpha and intended mainly for testing and feedback, so users should expect instability.
Does Orion for Linux support browser extensions?
No; WebKit extension support is listed as not implemented in this alpha.
Is cloud sync available for bookmarks and passwords?
No; a sync infrastructure is not included in the alpha build.
Can I export or import data from this build?
Yes; local export/import via file is available according to the release notes.
Orion for Linux Status The alpha stage is an early, unstable version meant primarily for testing. What is ready to test All visual components, including: Main menus, submenus,…
Sources
- Kagi releases alpha version of Orion for Linux
- Orion 1.0 ✴︎ Browse Beyond – Kagi Blog
- Orion: New Zero-Telemetry, Zero-Ad, AI-Proof Browser for …
- Changelog
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