With the update to iOS 18, Apple has improved many of its built-in apps, including Safari. The browser gets useful new features that allow you to browse faster and more efficiently. In this article, you'll learn all about the latest updates and how to get the most out of them.
Safari has been one of the most popular browsers for iOS users for years. With each new iOS version, Apple releases innovative features that make browsing even more convenient. The iOS 18 update for Safari is no exception and offers numerous improvements and new features that can improve your browsing experience. Let's take a detailed look at the new features.
highlights
One of the most exciting new features in Safari is Highlights. This feature identifies relevant information on a web page and shows it to you so you can find the details you want without having to browse the entire page.
How does Highlights work?
When a highlight is available on a webpage, you'll see a small purple sparkle above the tool icon in the browser bar, along with a brief flash of the available highlight data. Tapping the icon reveals key information like location, hours of operation, and directions.
What information is displayed?
The information shown varies from website to website. For stores, hotels, and other places you might want to visit, Safari shows directions. Other websites may show links that help you learn more about people, music, movies, and TV shows.
Availability and Settings
Currently, Highlights is only available in English and is still in beta. You can disable this feature in the Safari section of the Settings app.
reading mode
Safari's Reading Mode has been significantly improved in iOS 18 and now offers a table of contents for long articles as well as a short summary of the content.
Advantages of the new reading mode
The new features allow you to jump directly to a specific part of an article and get an overview of the content to decide whether it is worth reading on.
language support
The new options are available in several English variants, including English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa), English (UK) and English (US).
design changes
Apple has updated the design of the Safari tools that can be accessed via the URL bar.
New tool icon and overlay window
The icon is now a box with two lines. Tapping it opens an overlay window at the bottom of the screen.
prioritization of tools
Not all tools are displayed at the same time. Instead, Apple prioritizes the most used tools such as translate, reading mode, privacy and font size.
New quick access options
Some features that were previously hidden in the Share pane are now more easily accessible from the Safari toolbar.
New options:
- Press
- Add to Favorites
- Add to Bookmarks
- Add to Quick Notes
- Add to Reading List
- Go to the Group tab
- pin tab
- camera access
- microphone access
- location access
- Open links in profile
Customizing the side menu
You can edit the side menu to customize the tools that appear in your favorites list.
passwords
With iOS 18, Apple introduces a dedicated Passwords app that automatically fills your Safari logins, passwords, and passkeys if you have saved your information in the app.
functionality of the password app
The app offers the same functionality as the Passwords section in the Settings app, but in a standalone app for easier access. All data is synced across devices and is even accessible on Windows PCs.
Blocked apps
Apps like Safari can now be locked and hidden, requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication to access.
security and privacy
Even someone who has access to your unlocked phone won't be able to see your browser if you've locked Safari. Hidden apps are removed from the Home screen and placed in a secret hidden apps folder in the App Library.
iOS 18: More security and usability for Safari
The iOS 18 update brings many exciting new features to Safari that make browsing safer, faster, and more user-friendly. From Smart Highlights to improved Reading Mode to new security features, Safari now offers even more ways to get the most out of your browser. Use these new features to optimize your browsing experience and stay safer online. Looking for new accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront ! There you'll find a variety of products from leading providers, including HomeKit and more! (Photo by Unsplash / Mariia Shalabaieva)
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