Tor Browser 13.5 released with major Android overhaul & enhanced fingerprinting protection

The Tor Project has announced the release of Tor Browser 13.5, bringing significant updates to both Android and desktop versions. This release includes numerous bug fixes and minor improvements, alongside major enhancements to the Android connection experience in anticipation of the future Connection Assist feature. Users can now access the full settings menu before connecting, and Tor logs have a new permanent home.

For desktop users, the update continues to refine Tor Browser's fingerprinting protections. Noteworthy changes include new options for letterboxing, allowing users to remember their last window size and adjust letterbox alignment in general settings. Bridge users will benefit from a redesigned bridge settings interface, improved sharing features, and a new section for finding additional bridges. Onion site errors have also been visually refreshed to align with other network error designs.

The Android version sees a complete overhaul of the connection screens with a native implementation, aligning more closely with the desktop experience. Users can now enable automatic connection based on their last used settings and access the full settings menu before connecting. These changes are foundational steps towards integrating Connection Assist, which aims to automatically circumvent censorship of the Tor network in future releases.