Kiwi Browser: Chromium-based mobile browser
Archived Chromium fork for Android with extension support.
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Kiwi Browser is a Chromium-based mobile web browser fork specifically architected to maintain support for Manifest V2 extensions on Android devices beyond Google's official deprecation timeline. The implementation modifies Chromium's extension service layer by overriding manifest version validation checks, allowing both V2 and V3 extensions to load without triggering deprecation warnings or blocking mechanisms. The browser achieves backward compatibility by patching the extension loading pipeline to bypass temporal restrictions that would otherwise prevent older extension formats from executing. This architectural approach preserves the existing Chrome extension ecosystem for mobile users while maintaining the core Chromium rendering engine and security model. The modification represents a deliberate trade-off prioritizing extension compatibility over alignment with upstream Chromium's extension platform evolution.
Automated Chromium Rebase
Continuously integrates upstream Chromium updates through automated source tree synchronization. Maintains compatibility with current security patches and features without manual version tracking or fork maintenance.
Manifest V2 Support
Retains full Manifest V2 extension compatibility on Android after standard Chromium deprecation. Enables broader extension ecosystem access including legacy extensions incompatible with Manifest V3 restrictions.
Archived Project Status
Active development ceased January 2025 with no planned updates or security patches. Final release remains available, but users requiring ongoing support should migrate to actively maintained alternatives like Edge, Vivaldi, or Firefox.
// Check if Manifest V2 extension is supported
const extensionInfo = {
manifestVersion: 2,
id: 'custom-extension-id'
};
const isSupported = chrome.runtime.getManifest().manifest_version >= 2;
if (isSupported) {
console.log('V2 extensions supported in Kiwi Browser');
}Final Kiwi Browser release; no further engine updates will ship, and all Kiwi server connections (search engines, settings sync) are now disabled except homepage favicons.
- –Back up all data before upgrading; this version replaces the existing Kiwi install and may cause data loss.
- –Developer recommends migrating to Microsoft Edge for continued Manifest V2 extension support and security updates.
Backup data before upgrading; this build experiments with dual Manifest V2/V3 support and will replace your installed Kiwi Browser.
- –Export bookmarks and settings before installing, as this version replaces com.kiwibrowser.browser entirely.
- –Use arm64 GitHub-signed APK for modern devices; Play Store users must use playstore-signed builds to avoid reinstall.
Patches a Chromium security issue reported by Blackwing Intelligence and fixes Chrome Web Store viewport rendering for extension install/remove buttons.
- –Upgrade to resolve a security vulnerability in Chromium (specific CVE not disclosed in notes).
- –Back up data before installing; signature type (github vs playstore APK) must match your current install.
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