AdGuard For Mac Updates & Release Notes

In AdGuard for Mac v2.20, we’ve renewed the app’s visual style, changed the UX workflow related to system permissions in macOS, added new browsers to the default filtering list, updated our filtering engines, and fixed a number of bugs.

System permissions for AdGuard

AdGuard requires Files and Folders permission to install and verify AdGuard Browser Assistant in Chrome, Edge, and Gecko-based browsers.

In macOS 27, access to third-party browser profile folders has been restricted. Previously, when access was denied, AdGuard displayed a Not supported status, which didn’t make it clear for users that the issue could be resolved by granting additional permissions.

In AdGuard for Mac v2.20, we’ve improved this workflow:

• The Not supported status is replaced with an Allow access button on the Assistant tab. It opens Files and Folders settings, where you can grant the required permission. Once access is granted, you can install the Assistant
• A notice is added to the main window. It appears if your default browser isn’t Safari and AdGuard doesn’t have access to its folder, and takes you to the Assistant tab
• The Enable Browser Assistant notice now appears when the Assistant isn’t installed in your default browser. You can dismiss it by clicking on the > button
• The first-launch wizard now uses the same Allow access button

These changes should make AdGuard for Mac more convenient for users who prefer third-party browsers on macOS.

Other changes

We’ve expanded the list of browsers filtered by default, adding popular names like DuckDuckGo and Naver Whale. Also, AdGuard for Mac now supports LibreWolf. Plus, we’ve set up a Compatibility repository in GitHub, where users can submit their browser support issues, or even open pull requests for us to review and put out the necessary changes in later updates.

We’ve also added Quad9 to the list of DNS providers that support DNS-over-QUIC.

The app’s visual style is being refreshed as well: we renewed the logo and system tray icons, updated the description of the Block WebRTC setting, and removed the Block Java setting. Lastly, we’ve fixed a number of bugs that interfered with the app’s correct functioning and updated CoreLibs and DnsLibs.

Changelog

Improvements

• Introduced compatibility lists specifically for AdGuard for Mac #5
• Removed the Block Java setting #1705
• Updated AdGuard icons and logos, copyright year, and capitalization #1706

Fixes

• Scrollbar malfunction in the Filtered applications tab #1192
• A bug causing the main app window to automatically pop up during macOS startup #1699
• Inaccurate titles within AdGuard’'s Settings/Preferences screens #1734
• Erroneous User rules filter timestamp is hidden until modified #1737
• Unexpected Noname entries in Filtered Applications menu #1772
• Firefox filtering state not retained in AdGuard for Mac v2.20 beta build #1774
• Excessive disk writes caused by the agflm_standard.db journal mode #1710
• Text and icon colors of the Settings tabs do not match system behavior #1696

CoreLibs (Filtering engine)

• Updated CoreLibs to v.1.22.29 #1754

Improvements

• Prevented domain leaks for Local.adguard.org resolution while protection is turned on #1854
• Added support for filtering of HTTP/3 proxies #1957
• Refined the Do Not Track utility to avoid dispatching DNT/GPC headers to incompatible browsers #1982
• Enabled HTTP/3 filtering out of the box for Beta and Nightly testing channels #2014
• Turned on HTTP/3 filtering by default for all stable release users #2015
• Synchronized verification caching rules to match Chrome’'s implementation standards #2025
• Added full support for filtering HTTP/2 proxy connections #2054
• Changed the evaluation of iframe size for content script injections #2059

Fixes

• Parsing errors occurring within match_context_create routines #124
• Freezing of Firefox with a Host contacted, waiting for reply status due to locked TCP socket connections #2058
• Latency issues in QUIC/HTTP/3 processing leading to automatic fallbacks to HTTP/2 #2062
• OCSP validation routines failing to properly block connections targeting compromised or revoked SSL certificates #2069

Scriptlets (JavaScript enhancement for filtering rules)

• Updated Scriptlets to v2.4.2

Improvements

• Added the google-ima3-dai redirect rule #239
• Introduced the trusted-json-set scriptlet #308
• Expanded JSON-focused scriptlets to support advanced JSON path queries #522
• Enhanced log-addEventListener with a parameter to manage overriding addEventListener #551

Fixes

• cancelBubble causes unexpected errors in trusted-click-element #555

ContentScript

• Updated ContentScript to v3.2.0

DnsLibs (DNS filtering engine)

• Updated DnsLibs to v2.10.1 #1742

Improvements

• Added ability to update upstreams list without reloading filters #248

Fixes

• Crash caused by segmentation error during DNS proxy setup on MIPS routers #136
• Missing TCP filtering within Apple Network Extensions #264
• Intermittent failures during DNS-over-TLS upstream availability checks #263
• Missing AdGuard certificate issues on hitomi.la

Original source

We are presenting our latest release — AdGuard for Mac v2.19! This version offers an assortment of updates and reworkings, aimed in two main directions: security and usability.

We’ve implemented a new protection mechanism: AdGuard for Mac now uses cryptography to protect UserDefaults settings and userscripts. UserDefaults are encrypted with AES-GCM. Other types of data, including userscripts and filters, are protected by SHA256 checksums cryptography, with keys stored in the macOS Keychain. If a third-party app attempts to modify the configuration, AdGuard will detect it and alert you immediately.

Another security-focused feature is that AdGuard can now detect when a userscript compromises a website’s security. If that is the case, you will get a specific warning while trying to install it. This became possible after an important update to CoreLibs.

Concerning usability: we reworked the onboarding process for new users. We added new screens and details to create a smoother flow, making the app easier to understand and navigate.

We updated Scriptlets, DnsLibs, and UserscriptsWrapper as well, and fixed bugs for an overall better app performance.

Changelog

Improvements

• Added DuckDuckGo browser to the list of filtered apps #1628
• Trigger filter update when it gets enabled #1636
• UserDefaults protected with checksums
• Userscripts protected with checksums
• Added warning message about userscript requiring modifications of CSP on Mac

Fixes

• Issues in Atlas browser when AdGuard for Mac protection is enabled #2043
• Browser assistant state isn’t updated after AdGuard uninstallation #1659
• The Block Java message is triggering Cloudflare DDoS protection #1694
• AdGuard is not automatically pulling the latest version of AdGuard Assistant for a release build #1639
• UI tabs aren’t clickable, only icons are #1704
• Rules from the enabled filter migrate to the User rules filter #1158

CoreLibs (Filtering engine)

• Updated CoreLibs to v1.20.101

Improvements

• Local.adguard.org resolution does not leak after enabling protection #1854
• Use CRLite as alternative of OCSP #1997
• Added an option to decode URL in $urltransform #1915
• Enabled HTTP/3 filtering by default in AdGuard beta/nightly versions #2014
• Added support for a new $reason modifier #1986
• The Do Not Track feature sends both DNT and GPC even on browsers which do not support them #1982
• Added regexp support in the $app modifier #1906
• Added support for example.org/path cosmetic rules #2012
• Added support for ALPS extension #1987

Fixes

• The MWITools script does not work with AdGuard #2001
• @connect does not work as expected #1985
• Content-type modifiers cannot be used with $urltransform modifier #1978
• HAR file is not fully compiled #2002
• If closing script tag contains space, then content is removed until next script tag (including this script) #2042
• In Request details, Destination address is displayed as 127.0.0.1 if integration with AdGuard VPN is enabled #2021
• Incorrect HTTP 10x status code handling for HTTP/1.1 #2013
• Userscript cannot be added to AdGuard for Android due to BOM (Byte Order Mark) #2009
• Userscript runner doesn’t add a source map #1984
• When using FakeDNS option in proxy settings, AdGuard injections are broken #2017
• XHR timeout with immersivetranslate userscript #2000
• $generichide disables element hiding rules for specific domain if $domain=... is used #2041
• Connection resets on CoreLibs 1.19 #2023
• Localhost is unreachable in manual proxy mode in 1.19 #2019
• Manual proxy does not work under Windows on CL1.19 #2029

Scriptlets (JavaScript enhancement for filtering rules)

• Updated Scriptlets to v2.2.14

Improvements

• Added a new scriptlet — prevent-innerHTML #488
• Improved fingerprintjs2 — added support for the window.Fingerprint variable #541
• Improved trusted-click-element — added a parameter to increase the scriptlet execution duration #400
• Improved set-cookie and set-cookie-reload — added support for the denied value #512
• Added a new scriptlet — trusted-replace-argument #405
• href-sanitizer now supports uBO arguments #493

Fixes

• trusted-set-constant cannot determine string values correctly #499
• Incorrect selector validation for single-letter HTML tags #172
• prevent-element-src-loading — TrustedScriptURL is not defined in Firefox #514
• trusted-replace-node-text — some quotes are incorrectly escaped #517
• Scriptlets compilation error in Safari 15 due to unsupported regex lookbehind #519

UserscriptsWrapper (Userscripts and user styles support library)

• Updated UserscriptsWrapper to v2.2.0

Fixes

• The requests GM.xmlHttpRequest and GM_xmlhttpRequest are implemented incorrectly #1983

DnsLibs (DNS filtering engine)

• Updated DnsLibs to v2.7.6 #1633

Original source

Great news! Version 2.18 brings a noticeable step forward in performance, stability, and compatibility. One of the main highlights is support for three new AI-powered browsers: ChatGPT Atlas, Perplexity Comet, and Dia. Now you can enjoy clean, ad-free browsing there as well.

We’ve also updated the system requirements:

AdGuard for Mac now supports macOS 12 and later.

Alongside that, we refreshed the Filter List Manager, polished many internal processes, and fixed a number of issues to make everyday app use smoother and more reliable.

Changelog

Improvements

• Added support for the Dia browser #1571
• Added support for OpenAI’s Atlas browser #1624
• Added support for Perplexity’s Comet browser #1606
• Updated FLM to v2.3.5 #1632

Fixes

• Settings window position resets after after restarting the app #1579
• Adding a new user rule during the search causes the application to crash #1597
• App com.adguard.mac.adguard requests local network access multiple times #1521
• Trusted Type error when blocking an element on YouTube via Safari Assistant #1637
• AdGuard is not fully synced with the latest Assistant before a release #1639

CoreLibs (Filtering engine)

• CoreLibs updated to v1.18.36 #1632

Improvements

• Added support for ABP’s CSS injection syntax #1927
• Allowed removing content with empty attribute #1934
• Improved content-script performance by using browser cache properly #1929
• Improved performance of content-script loading #1930
• Removed complicated heuristics for the $domain modifier #1875
• Added zstd encoding support #1976

Fixes

• Filtering disabled because it may affect website performance (new.lewd.ninja) #1994
• Some extensions stopped working with CoreLibs 1.18 #1993
• $removeparam does not work in pair with the $domain modifier #1999
• Some React-based sites fail to load due to Minified React error #1953
• $urltransform combined with $~3p doesn’t modify the request URL if opened directly in the address bar #1931
• Filter UDP under Linux #46

DnsLibs (DNS filtering engine)

• DnsLibs updated to v2.6.20 #1617

Scriptlets (JavaScript enhancement for filtering rules)

• Scriptlets updated to v2.2.8

Improvements

• Added more examples to scriptlet docs #392
• Added new scriptlet: trusted-replace-argument #405
• Improved href-sanitizer — added support for uBO arguments #493
• Improved prevent-fetch — added ability to set random response content #416
• Improved set-cookie and set-cookie-reload — added support for the denied value #512
• Improved set-cookie — added empty object value #497
• Updated AGTree to v3 #247

Fixes

• trusted-set-cookie-reload — infinite reload when values constantly change #489
• inject-css-in-shadow-dom — scriptlet fails if adoptedStyleSheets is overridden #477
• json-prune — does not correctly handle null values when checking the specified key #504
• prevent-element-src-loading — TrustedScriptURL is not defined in Firefox #514
• spoof-css — incorrect DOMRect values #498
• trusted-replace-node-text — incorrectly output ' , but not ' #440
• trusted-replace-node-text — some quotes are escaped incorrectly #517
• trusted-set-constant — more precise string value detection #499
• trusted-suppress-native-method — reset isMatchingSuspended when stack is not matched #496
• Scriptlet compilation error in Safari 15 due to unsupported regex lookbehind #519

Original source

Great news! Version 2.18 brings a noticeable step forward in performance, stability, and compatibility.

One of the main highlights is support for three new AI-powered browsers: ChatGPT Atlas, Perplexity Comet, and Dia. Now you can enjoy clean, ad-free browsing there as well.

We’ve also updated the system requirements:

AdGuard for Mac now supports macOS 12 and later.

Alongside that, we refreshed the Filter List Manager, polished many internal processes, and fixed a number of issues to make everyday app use smoother and more reliable.

Original source

New blocking pages

“In this release, we’ve made AdGuard more helpful by updating interactive blocking pages and stronger by adding post-quantum encryption — it’s a win-win.”

“Access blocked”: You may have already seen one of these screens if you’ve visited a phishing website or if a rule restricted access to a website. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time to get familiar with it and see what you can do on these screens.

If AdGuard blocks a website due to phishing concerns, but you’re sure it’s safe, you can let us know directly from the blocked page. You can also access our security check tool to get more details about the website.

A website blocked by a filtering rule? Just click Add this website to the allowlist and an unblocking rule will be generated automatically and added to User rules.

Post-quantum cryptography

When it comes to HTTPS filtering, it’s crucial that AdGuard encrypts your traffic just as securely as the app it’s filtering. That’s why we always stay up to date and keep pace with modern apps and browsers.

This time, we’ve added support for post-quantum cryptography. If the filtered app or browser uses the latest encryption methods, AdGuard will do the same, ensuring that even a quantum computer won’t be able to decrypt your traffic.

Updates for better filtering

No new release would be complete without updates to our filtering engines — DnsLibs and CoreLibs. And here’s a nice touch: language-specific filters now activate automatically based on your keyboard layout.

Changelog

Improvements

• Added the confirmation window after pressing Reset
• Added Orion browser to the list of applications filtered by default
• Enabled automatic selection of language-specific filters based on active keyboard layouts

Fixes

• AdGuard icon in the Dock is still active after closing the certificate info in AdGuard Assistant
• After updating or importing settings, the filters with empty metadata have empty titles
• Network extension consumes more than 100% CPU on v2.17.0.1955 nightly
• Userscript or userstyle not enabled after creation
• Enabling Automatically filter applications causes a crash
• Enabling Hide menu bar icon causes UI to disappear on macOS 15 after reopening the app

CoreLibs (Filtering engine)

CoreLibs updated to v1.17.157

Improvements

• Removed trust in GlobalTrust certificates
• Enable post-quantum cryptography when it’s used by the filtered app
• Implemented new blocking pages
• Provided the ability to add userscripts without specifying a resource
• Allowed HTTPS filtering with trusted self-signed certs

Fixes

• “##+js(rmnt, #text, [...])” rule with non-ASCII UTF-8 characters is not converted
• Error in content-script when $jsinject exception is applied
• $network,app= rules with a large number of apps don’t work
• The “Proceed anyway” button doesn’t work when a website is blocked by a rule with the $all modifier
• Content script is not injected on www.huya.com
• On certain websites, media playback is broken
• Network filtering service does not start correctly
• CoreLibs v1.17 blocks access to ota.googlezip.net
• Access to function “GM_getValue” is not allowed
• Upload speed is low
• On reddit.com, URL parameters with %24 are not removed
• Naver Smartstore instances cannot be accessed properly
• Some React-based sites aren’t loaded correctly due to a Minified React error

DnsLibs (DNS filtering engine)

DnsLibs updated to v2.6.6

Improvements

• Added a public method for detecting upstream protocol

Fixes

• _matter._tcp.default.service.arpa request is not resolved locally

Scriptlets (JavaScript enhancement for filtering rules) updated to v2.1.7

Improvements

• prevent-addEventListener — added ability to match specific element
• trusted-click-element — check for containsText of all matched selectors
• Added new scriptlet prevent-canvas
• href-sanitizer — added ability to modify the value
• href-sanitizer — added base64 support
• prevent-fetch — set response.ok to false if response.type is opaque

Fixes

• trusted-set-constant cannot determine string values correctly
• Incorrect selector validation for single-letter HTML tags
• prevent-element-src-loading — TrustedScriptURL is not defined in Firefox
• trusted-replace-node-text — some quotes are escaped incorrectly

UserscriptsWrapper updated to v2.0.1

Original source

There are two major changes in AdGuard v2.16 for Mac. The first one is the differential filters update. The second is the userstyles support. Let’s take a closer look at each of them and find out how these new features can be useful for you.

Faster filter lists update

Filter lists are what make ad blockers work. Before, even small changes to a list forced the app to re-download the whole rule set, which was slow and inefficient. Now AdGuard for Mac uses differential updates, downloading only the changes that were made since the last update. This reduces server load and speeds up the process. With more frequent updates, you’ll always have the most effective ad blocking.

Customized browsing

Our new feature will help you add more color to your browsing experience. Userstyles make it possible to modify websites’ appearance without altering its content by applying custom CSS. They work like userscripts but focus on styling. Upload or create your own userstyles directly in the app to personalize your browsing experience.

To add a userstyle, go to Settings → Extensions → Add → Import from file or URL. You can find ready-to-use userstyles online or create your own by clicking Add → Create userstyle.

We’ve also updated the filtering engines (DnsLibs and CoreLibs), JavaScript enhancement for filtering rules (scriplets) and fixed a few bugs. Update your app to the latest version now and experience all the improvements for yourself.

Changelog

Improvements

• Added support for userstyles
• Implemented differential updates for filter lists
• Added support for the Floorp browser (Firefox fork)

Fixes

• Incorrect Network Extension permission path on macOS Sequoia
• Unable to complete installation of AdGuard v2.15 on macOS Catalina
• Ads are not blocked in Safari on macOS Sequoia with iCloud Private Relay enabled

DnsLibs (DNS filtering engine)

DnsLibs updated to v2.5.51

• Block RFC9462 (_dns.resolver.arpa) queries
• Use pretty_str() in errors reported in DnsRequestProcessedEvent

CoreLibs (Filtering engine)

CoreLibs updated to v1.16.45

Improvements

• Support redirection to destination without using tracking services as intermediaries
• GM_xmlhttpRequest now supports the Referer header

Fixes

• sony.de — login is broken in Firefox
• AdGuard "content script" is blocked by CSP on uber.com
• The "K" string is removed

Scriptlets (JavaScript enhancement for filtering rules)

Scriptlets updated to v1.11.27

Improvements

• Added support for allowed and denied values in set-local-storage-item
• Support line number for inlineScript and injectedScript
• Added support for checked and unchecked values in set cookie
• Added new scriptlet — trusted-replace-argument
• href-sanitizer now supports uBO arguments

Fixes

• trusted-set-constant cannot determine string values correctly
• Incorrect selector validation for single-letter HTML tags
• prevent-element-src-loading — TrustedScriptURL is not defined in Firefox
• trusted-replace-node-text — some quotes are escaped incorrectly

UserscriptsWrapper

Updated UserscriptsWrapper to v2.0.1

Original source

Have you ever shared your settings? This feature comes in handy when you don't want to reconfigure everything on a new device, or when you want to report missed ads. In the new version, sharing settings has become even easier: to export settings, simply go to Settings → Advanced → Share settings…, and to import them, open the resulting link in your browser and click Import.

There have also been updates to the CoreLibs filtering engine, so there will be fewer crashes and more modifiers: $xmlprune and $urltransform. Now even more distracting page elements will be blocked.

Changelog

Improvements

• Implemented Configuration import via URL for macOS

Fixes

• Open settings button text is missing for Safari Assistant on macOS Big Sur

CoreLibs (filtering engine)

CoreLibs updated to v1.15.64

Improvements

• Added $urltransform (trusted) modifier support
• Added $xmlprune modifier support
• Added mobile browsers to the list of user agents that natively support ':has()'.
• Allowed ECDSA ciphers on local side
• Set up Sec-Fetch-Dest: fencedframe
• Added support for the uBO /regex/ format (cosmetic rules)

Fixes

• AdGuard filtering stops working after VPN is enabled
• Adblock syntax rules with FQDN do not work
• AdGuard and FTP connection error
• Userscript XHR errors
• $all modifier does not work with non-domain URL part
• URL blocking rules do not work correctly with the $generichide modifier

UserscriptsWrapper

UserscriptsWrapper updated to v1.2.24

Fixes

• vk-metabot.user.js does not work with AdGuard

ContentScript

ContentScript updated to v2.0.6

Fixes

• Element-hiding rules ## and #$# do not apply to tv.rambler.ru

DnsLibs (DNS filtering engine)

DnsLibs updated to v2.5.34

Original source