DuckDuckGo is back with another update for its mobile browser, arriving a week after the company rolled out its previous iOS release. While frequent updates are nothing new in the browser world, this one stands out thanks to a feature many users will immediately notice: YouTube ad blocking.
The latest iPhone update, version 7.222.0, adds the ability to block video ads on YouTube. According to the official changelog, users can continue using Duck Player, DuckDuckGo’s distraction-free video viewing mode, while also benefiting from ad-free playback. The setting can be managed under Settings > Ad Blocking.
For a browser that has spent years positioning itself as a privacy-first alternative to mainstream options, the addition feels like a natural extension of its philosophy. Fewer ads often means fewer distractions, and for many users, a smoother YouTube experience is always welcome.
A small change that could become a favorite
Alongside YouTube ad blocking, DuckDuckGo has also introduced a new shortcut for power users. With version 7.222.0 installed, users can now long-press the address bar to quickly access actions such as:
- Share
- Copy Link
- Close Tab
- Other contextual browser options
It is one of those quality-of-life improvements that may not sound revolutionary, but can save a surprising number of taps during everyday browsing. The complete iOS changelog reads:
- New! YouTube Ad Blocking – DuckDuckGo now blocks video ads on YouTube, and you can still use Duck Player for a distraction-free theater mode. Set your preferences in Settings > Ad Blocking.
- You can now long-press the address bar to open a menu with options like Share, Copy Link, Close tab, and more.
- This update also includes other improvements and bug fixes.
Android update arrives too, but with fewer details
Interestingly, DuckDuckGo pushed out an Android update on the same day. However, Android users may feel a little left out this time around. The latest Android release, version 5.281.1, comes with a much less descriptive changelog: This update includes various bug fixes and improvements.
That’s it.
There is no mention of the actual bugs that were fixed, new browsing tools, or any notable user-facing additions. Whether some of the iOS features are planned for Android at a later date remains unclear.
A sign of DuckDuckGo’s growing focus on browser features
For a long time, DuckDuckGo’s appeal centered primarily on private search and tracker blocking. Over the last few years, however, the company has steadily expanded its browser with features that go beyond privacy alone.
Duck Player, built-in protections, email privacy tools, AI-assisted search experiences, and now YouTube ad blocking all point toward a broader strategy: making DuckDuckGo a browser users choose not only because it protects their privacy, but because it offers conveniences they might otherwise find elsewhere.
As always, we’ll keep an eye out for user feedback and any additional details that emerge following the rollout.
Hillary Keverenge
2664 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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