The latest software update for iPhone introduces a myriad of exciting features, now available in beta for supported models. Among the most talked-about enhancements is the new Liquid Glass design, which will be integrated into the Safari web browser. Users can also expect fresh iPhone wallpapers and an upgraded Photos app with this update.
Customizing Safari on Your iPhone: New Features Unveiled
This article delves into the innovative methods of personalizing the Safari browser within the iOS 26 update. A standout feature is the addition of the Compact Tab Bar mode, which becomes the default layout alongside the traditional options that have been available in previous updates.
How to Activate the New Compact Tab Bar Layout
To adjust the Tab Bar layouts in Safari, follow these straightforward steps:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 26.
- Scroll down to the Apps section and locate Safari.
- In the Tabs section, you will see three layout options: Compact, Bottom, and Top.
- Select Compact as your default option, if it isn’t already set.
Each layout comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The newly introduced Compact Mode allows for a streamlined browsing experience with minimal screen usage compared to the Bottom and Top layouts.
The Compact mode positions the Back button on the left side of a sleek, pill-shaped address bar, which also functions as a search tool. Adjacent to the Back button, you’ll find a three-dot menu that grants access to essential features, including Share, All Tabs, and Bookmarks.
Choosing Between Bottom and Top Layouts for Easy Navigation
The Bottom and Top layouts share many similarities, with the primary difference being the placement of the address bar. In the Top layout, the address bar is situated at the top of the screen, which might not be user-friendly for one-handed operation. However, some individuals might prefer this layout for its balanced aesthetic, as it was the only option available until the release of iOS 15.
Both the Bottom and Top layouts benefit from Apple’s Liquid Design, featuring a translucent Tab Bar that provides a glimpse of the content behind it. Users can also navigate easily with the Forward button, which is accessible in these layouts. Conversely, Compact mode opts for simplicity and requires users to swipe from the right edge to move forward.
Notably, Apple has repositioned the New Tab and Tab Groups buttons to the upper left corner of the All Tabs page in iOS 26, which may complicate one-handed use. However, the Compact mode offers easier access to these features. While accessing the All Tabs page, you can press the tabs pill at the bottom to reach the Tab Groups menu seamlessly.
Users will also observe that both the Compact and Bottom layouts minimize into a small pill when scrolling down a webpage, creating a clean interface that enhances user experience. In contrast, in the Top layout, the address bar collapses into a pill at the top. It can be expanded again by scrolling up or tapping the pill.
Additionally, the Safari 26 beta for both iOS and iPadOS introduces several hidden improvements. A noteworthy feature is the incorporation of Screen Time support for WKWebView, enhancing the browsing experience within apps. Safari users across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will now be able to report webpage issues via the Page menu located to the left of the address bar across all layouts.
These new Safari features are currently under test through the Apple Developer Program and are anticipated to be publicly available with the forthcoming iOS 26 update later this year. Updates will be provided as additional beta versions are released.
If you are considering the iOS 26 developer beta, be mindful that these versions may exhibit instability; therefore, ensure to back up your data beforehand.
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