Apple implemented some controversial Safari changes with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. To give you a feel of everything new in the Safari browser, we’ve created this hands-on video walkthrough,
Video: Whats’ new for Safari on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15?
Without further ado, watch the hands-on video walkthrough of all the Safari changes Apple has implemented in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, embedded right ahead.
All the Safari changes on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
Apple originally listed the following changes in Safari via the preview pages for iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS 12 Monterey on its website (some of the entries should be updated as Apple has now tweaked some of Safari’s biggest annoyances in the first beta):
Streamlined tab bar
The streamlined tab bar takes up less room on the page and floats slightly above the bottom of the screen, where it’s easier to reach. The bar seamlessly moves out of the way as you scroll and appears again with a tap.
Integrated Smart Search field
Tap the tab bar to search with the integrated Smart Search field.
Tab groups
Save and organize your tabs in the way that works best for you. Switch between tab groups in the tab overview. Tab groups sync across devices so you have access to your tabs from anywhere.
Customizable start page
Customize the start page to make it your own. You can set a background image and select new sections to display, like Privacy Report, Siri Suggestions and Shared with You. Customizations sync across devices so you can have the same Safari everywhere.
New privacy protections
Intelligent Tracking Prevention now also prevents trackers from profiling you using your IP address.
HTTPS upgrade
Safari automatically upgrades sites known to support HTTPS from insecure HTTP.
Swipe between tabs
Switch between open tabs by swiping left or right on the tab bar. Swipe all the way to the right to open a new tab.
Pull to refresh
Refresh a web page by pulling it down from the top of the page.
Web extensions on iOS/iPadOS
Personalize Safari on iOS and iPadOS with web extensions. Web extensions can add functionality and features to Safari. You can install extensions through the App Store.
Voice search
Search the web using your voice. Tap the microphone in the tab bar and speak your search to see suggestions or be taken directly to the page you’re looking for.
Tab overview grid view
The tab overview now displays your open tabs in a grid, making it easier to see the tabs you have open and switch between them. Tap the Tab Overview button or swipe up on the tab bar to see all your tabs.
Safari features like sharing, Privacy Report, Translate and Reader are located in the More menu within the active tab.
Redesigned tabs (iPad, Mac)
Tabs have a rounder and more defined appearance, making them easier to work with. Tabs fluidly adapt as you add more, shrinking or stretching to fit the page.
Manage your tab groups, bookmarks, Reading List and Shared with You links in the redesigned sidebar.
How Apple fixed iOS 15’s Safari annoyances
As it turns out, many early beta testers loathed the way Safari’s URL bar was implemented in the first beta, with it appearing at the bottom of the interface only two abruptly, confusingly jump to the top position where it used to be when touched.
Apple got the memo, tweaking the Safari address bar in iOS and iPadOS 15 beta 3.
The URL bar now stays on the bottom when tapped rather than launching to the top. The reload option has been removed from the URL bar but appears as an option when holding the address bar (it’s also accessible through the contextual menu). Tabs are now easier to close thanks to a more prominent “X” in the top-right corner.
Apple also Apple reverted the Safari tab interface on Mac computers with the latest macOS Monterey beta 3 update. Now, the tab interface looks far more similar to what you’d find in the current version of Safari on macOS Big Sur.
Apple said it would release iOS 5, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, macOS 12 Monterey and other related OS updates for everyone to download and install sometime this fall.