Mozilla has announced it will officially shut down Pocket, its long-running read-it-later service, on July 8, 2025. The news marks the end of an era for millions of users who relied on Pocket to save, highlight, and revisit articles across devices and platforms.
Originally launched in 2007 as “Read It Later” and acquired by Mozilla in 2017, Pocket became a staple for digital readers. Its ability to sync articles across browsers, smartphones, and tablets helped it carve out a loyal following. But with the tech landscape shifting, Mozilla has chosen to retire the service as part of a broader strategy.
Sunset Timeline
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| App removal | May 22, 2025 | Pocket pulled from app stores and browser extension libraries |
| Service shutdown | July 8, 2025 | No new content can be saved or accessed |
| Final export deadline | October 8, 2025 | Pocket fully inaccessible; export tool decommissioned |
What Happens to Your Data?
After July 8, Pocket users will no longer be able to save or view content. Mozilla has emphasized that anyone wishing to keep their saved items must manually export their data.
To export:
- Visit Pocket’s export page
- Sign in to your account
- Download your saved content as an HTML or CSV file
Users have until October 8, 2025 to complete this process. After that, all data will be permanently inaccessible.
Subscription Refunds
Mozilla has also confirmed that:
- All active subscriptions will be automatically canceled
- Annual subscribers will receive prorated refunds
Why Mozilla Is Shutting Down Pocket
In a statement, Mozilla cited a shift in focus toward “AI-enhanced web experiences and next-generation browser tools.” The decision to sunset Pocket is intended to free up resources for:
- Generative AI research and integration into Firefox
- Privacy-first user tools
- Performance upgrades across the Mozilla ecosystem
The move is part of Mozilla’s broader realignment around core browser technology and AI experimentation, rather than supporting adjacent apps and services.
Top Pocket Alternatives to Consider
If you're a Pocket user looking for a replacement, here are some strong contenders:
| App | Best For | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Instapaper | Clean reading, highlights, offline access | iOS, Android, Web |
| Raindrop.io | Bookmark management, cloud sync, collections | iOS, Android, Web, Extensions |
| Inoreader | Feed reading with article saving & automation | iOS, Android, Web |
| Matter | Longform reading with newsletter support | iOS, Web |
| Omnivore | Open-source, Markdown support, email-to-read | Web, iOS, Android (beta) |
TL;DR
- Mozilla will shut down Pocket on July 8, 2025
- Users must export their saved content by October 8
- Subscriptions will be canceled and refunded
- Mozilla is reallocating resources to focus on AI and browser innovations
- Users are encouraged to transition to alternatives like Instapaper or Raindrop.io