Apple is updating Safari with iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3. The changes include a vertical tab layout, a feature that adapts bright websites for Dark Mode, and expanded Siri actions for managing tabs and browsing history.
Vertical Tabs replace the standard horizontal tab bar with a column on the left side of the screen. They display icons by default to conserve space, with an option to widen the bar and show website titles. The layout works with Topics and Tab Groups, and users can still pin tabs by dragging them and switch between groups.
Users can enable Vertical Tabs in Safari settings or through the View menu on Mac and iPad. Topics are created when automatic Apple Intelligence tab sorting is enabled in iOS 27.
Safari’s Adaptive Dark Mode is designed for websites without a built-in dark appearance. When Dark Mode is on and a site has a bright background, Safari can offer the option to try the feature. It adjusts elements such as backgrounds, text contrast, logos, graphics and shadows to make the page more suitable for dark viewing.
After trying it, users can enable Adaptive Dark Mode for all websites or choose it for individual sites. Safari will not apply the feature to websites that already have a native dark mode or a dark design. Developers can also add a tag to prevent Safari from adapting their pages.
The updates also add Siri actions for sorting, moving, closing and arranging tabs and windows in Tab Groups, as well as managing web history. Users can ask Siri to clear history for a particular site and a specified period.
Apple says Siri will eventually be able to understand webpage content across open tabs, including pages that are not active or currently visible. That could allow users to ask questions about information on multiple sites, but the feature is not included in the first beta. Siri features require a device that supports Apple Intelligence.
The Safari changes are available to developers in the latest betas. Apple plans to release iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3 and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 in December, after further beta testing.
Sources: MacRumors.