Extension

How to manage Safari extensions on Mac

Safari Extensions on Mac

If you’re new to Safari on Mac, there are plenty of great features for Apple's stock web browser. One of them, like other browsers, is the ability to install extensions. These handy tools can help you do more when you use Safari. Extensions can be anything from tab savers to shopping helpers to ad blockers.

Installing extensions is easy from the App Store. But you should also periodically review the extensions you have installed. Plus, knowing how to remove an extension is essential for those you no longer want to use.

So here we’ll show you how to manage the Safari extensions you have installed on your Mac.

Charitable Safari extensions that help you give back

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There are plenty of ways to help those in need. You can donate money, clothing, or household items, you can volunteer your time at a local shelter, and you can participate in events that assist charities. But one very simple way to give back is with one or more of these Safari extensions.

If you’re already using Safari to search for information or make online purchases, then it’s a no brainer. You’re not giving up time, money, or anything else to help those who need it. If you’re interested, here are some terrific Safari extensions that help you give back.

iOS 12 lets developers create extensions for reporting unwanted texts and calls as spam

iOS 10 included a CallKit framework that brought a system-wide way for customers to use specialized apps on their iPhone, like Hiya and TrueCaller, that automatically identify and block nuisance calls before the phone even rings. With iOS 12, Apple started allowing developers to write new types of call-blocking extensions that gather information from the user before deciding whether to report or block the number.

This tweak removes the app bar from the iOS 11 Messages app

One of my most significant quarrels with iOS 11 is the app bar that appears at the bottom of the Messages app. I never use extensions while iMessaging friends and family, so it feels somewhat intrusive to me that Apple pushes the app bar down my throat in every conversation.

Anyone in agreeance may want to try a new free jailbreak tweak called NoMoreAppBar by iOS developer Reed Haffner. Just as the name implies, this tweak removes the app bar from the iOS 11 Messages app.

MiniCast brings podcasts to Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is a great companion device for exercise, tracking your activity, and with watchOS 4, provides access to Apple Music. For people that prefer listening to podcasts while they work out, the Apple Watch is less ideal due to the lack of podcast app, either Apple's own Podcast app or third-party apps. A new Apple Watch app called MiniCast is looking to fill that gap and bring podcasts to your wrist.

MiniCast, available for free in the App Store (with $3.99 In-App Purchase), is a simple iPhone extension and Apple Watch app that allows uses to send podcasts from Apple's Podcasts app, Overcast, Castro, or PocketCast to their watch.