Learn how to switch back to Safari’s old address bar design with familiar tabs and controls on your iPhone instead of the new compact layout on iOS 26.
Safari on iOS 26 has a more compact address bar, which hides your buttons for bookmarks, open tabs, and sharing options behind a three-dotted menu. In contrast, the Bottom tab layout in Safari on iOS 18 puts those buttons (plus the navigational buttons) alongside the bottom, saving you unnecessary taps.
Some people don’t like this change. If you frequently use your saved Safari bookmarks or don’t like having to pinch with your fingers to access all tabs, you can bring back a bottom tabs-style layout by following our instructions below.
Switch to the pre-iOS 26 Safari address bar design
1) Open the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 26.
2) Scroll to the bottom and tap Apps. Then, select Safari from the list of applications.
3) Scroll to the Tabs section and select Bottom instead of Compact. Choosing Top takes you back to the iOS 14 days.
4) Return to Safari and you’ll notice the address bar design has changed to display the buttons for bookmarks, sharing options, and all tabs.
iOS 26 also retains the older “Top” layout option for those who prefer to have their address bar at the top and the bookmarking, sharing, and tab options at the bottom.
Summing up, iOS 26 expands the existing “Top” and “Bottom” layout options with a third “Compact” option, and you can freely switch between them as you like.
Also, check out: Top 24 tips to make the most of Safari on your iPhone