In this article, we’ll be exploring all the new features and changes that you can expect to see in the Safari browser when iOS 26 is released for everyone in the fall.
Safari has received a number of changes in the upcoming update. This includes a brand new look, new privacy features, and other changes that will make your web browsing experience a lot better.
Let’s take a look at them one by one.
A brand new design
The first thing that you will notice after launching the Safari browser on your iPhone is the addition of the new Liquid Glass Design. The new design is visible in all parts of Safari, including the address bar, tab views, and buttons.
The liquid glass design in the address bar and buttons looks stunning, especially when you’re scrolling through a website. As different elements move in the background, the subtle refraction effect adds depth and a refined, modern feel to the browsing experience.
New Layout Options
Apple has introduced a new compact look for the address bar and buttons. Now, users get access to three different looks for Safari’s address bar. The first two looks are very similar to the address bar designs we know from iOS 18. This includes a design that features both the address bar and the buttons at the bottom, and another one that features the address bar at the top and buttons at the bottom.
In both of these layouts, the address bar and buttons have been slimmed down and no longer take up the full width of the display.
The new Compact layout puts the address bar and the buttons at the bottom. While you get the back and forward buttons along with the address bar, some buttons are hidden inside an ellipsis (…) button. You can tap this to access more controls like Share, Add Bookmark, New Tab, New Private Tab, and the All Tabs button.
You can also swipe on the address bar to switch between open tabs and swipe up to access the tab switcher screen. When you’re in the tab switcher screen, you can tap on the Private button to access private browsing, or hit the ellipsis at the top to get access to features like tab groups, profiles, arrange tabs, copy multiple links, and add bookmarks for all open tabs.
Web App by Default
In iOS 26, Safari now adds every new website as a web app by default when you add its icon to the home screen. You can still choose to open the website in Safari by turning off the toggle while adding the icon.
Enhanced Privacy
Safari’s Advanced Fingerprinting Protection feature is now enabled for all browsing by default. Previously, this protection was limited to Private Browsing only. Now, it helps prevent websites from tracking your device across other websites by blocking known scripts from accessing system information like screen dimensions, fonts, and more.
HDR Images, WebGPU, Digital Credentials API, and more
Safari has now added support for HDR images. This means the browser can load images with a wider dynamic range and improved color accuracy. It will display brighter whites and deeper blacks, especially on iPhones with XDR displays.
Safari now features support for WebGPU, allowing web-based games to run at higher frame rates and with better effects. It also benefits apps like photo editors, 3D modeling tools, and CAD viewers by enabling faster on-device machine learning processing, which also helps conserve battery.
A new Digital Credentials API has been added to Safari. This feature allows websites to request identity documents stored in Apple Wallet, enabling secure identity and age verification directly within the browser.
In iOS 26, Safari supports SVG format for website icons. This affects icons that appear on the home screen, Safari start page, menus, and more, providing sharper and more scalable visuals.
So this was our look at the new Safari features that Apple has introduced in iOS 26. You can expect these features to come to an iPhone near you when Apple releases the iOS 26 update to everyone in the fall.
Remember, the features discussed here are based on iOS 26 beta 2, and Apple may make further changes before the final version is released.
