10 Hidden Features of Safari Browser You Didn’t Know About

When it comes to web browsing, there are many options for macOS and IOS users. From Chrome and Opera to Safari and Firefox, each of these browsers is optimized to provide you with a top-notch browsing experience on your Apple device.

For example, Chrome leads the way if you’re looking for a browser with the most extensions when browsing. However, recent updates to Safari—Apple’s default web browser make it a viable option if you want to enjoy a suite of features that’ll change how you browse the web.

So, what makes Safari the best web browser for your workflow or personal use on a Mac or an iPhone? This blog answers all your questions about Safari hacks with an in-depth look into 10 of its hidden features that you didn’t know about.

Let’s get into it!

What is Safari?

Safari is a web browser for all Apple devices running on macOS, iOS, and all Apple operating systems. Dubbed as the best way to experience the internet on all your Apple devices, Safari offers more than a seamless browsing experience.

The web browser was first released by Apple in 2003 and was briefly available for use on Windows OS from 2007 to 2012. However, its popularity soared on devices using Apple’s OS, including iPhone and MacBook, making it the second most popular browser after Chrome.

Safari browser is built with a blazing-fast JavaScript engine to provide you with faster browsing speeds. The browser was specifically developed to run on Apple devices and was among the first to support the new HTML 5 standard.

You can use it on various versions of your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Currently, Safari for macOS is available on version 11.1, which is equipped with features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention. This feature prevents the pages you visited on other websites from being tracked.

There are no special hacks to start with Safari on your macOS or iOS device. The browser comes pre-installed on Apple devices, meaning you won’t need to download it separately.

Safari is also compatible with the latest versions of macOS and iOS, allowing you to enjoy all its features without any compatibility issues. You can easily browse the web and take full advantage of features such as Tab Browsing, Bookmarking, and Reading Lists.

Components of Safari browser

At the heart of Safari’s stellar performance is the WebKit Rendering Engine. This component interprets and displays web pages swiftly, ensuring the content you search for loads with precision.

Leveraging JIT (Just-in-Time) compilation and hardware acceleration, WebKit is crucial to enhancing Safari’s speed and efficiency to new heights.

Fueling Safari’s dynamic user experience is the Nitro JavaScript Engine. Swiftly executing JavaScript code, Nitro has efficient memory management and advanced optimization techniques. This enables Safari to effortlessly handle complex JavaScript applications.

For security and stability, Safari has you covered with the Multi-Process architecture component. Each browser tab and extension operates in a distinct process, fortifying your browsing fortress.

A faulty tab or extension will no longer jeopardize your entire Safari experience – resilience and security converge seamlessly in this neatly designed architecture.

What’s sets Safari above other browsers

Safari is not just a browser; it’s a comprehensive package designed to elevate your digital journey. Here are the key features of Safari that set it apart from other browsers:

1. Privacy at the forefront

Safari takes the lead with its cutting-edge privacy protection technology. The Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature identifies and thwarts trackers, preventing them from creating a profile or stalking your online activities.

Opting for iCloud+ elevates your privacy defenses, allowing you to sign up for services without disclosing your email address. Safari also makes it effortless to gauge your privacy shield on every website you visit.

When you visit the Privacy Report in the Safari menu, you’ll see a snapshot of cross-site trackers that Safari is currently blocking. Check Safari’s weekly Privacy Report charts for a more comprehensive overview.

2. More customization features

Safari has embraced a new era of customization, giving users more control than ever. Tab Groups streamline your browsing, organizing tabs based on your interests.

You can easily personalize your browsing space with a custom background image and fine-tune your window with features like Reading List, Favorites, iCloud Tabs, and Siri Suggestions.

Besides, Safari’s compatibility with third-party iPhone, iPad, and Mac extensions ensures a tailored browsing experience across all your devices.

3. Robust security measures

Safari prioritizes your safety with robust security features. Passkeys introduce a secure sign-in method, while iCloud Keychain ensures your passkeys and passwords are securely stored and auto-filled across all your devices.

Safari’s vigilance is evident in its notifications about suspicious websites, preventing their loading. Moreover, Safari automatically upgrades sites from HTTP to the more secure HTTPS when available.

4. Crafted for developers

Safari goes beyond the surface, catering to developers with deep WebKit integration between Mac hardware and macOS. This synergy enables Safari to deliver unparalleled performance and maximize battery life, outshining other browsers on the platform.

Safari also guarantees a seamless browsing experience enriched with smart, intuitive tools. With just a click, you get detailed information about subjects within images, select text from any image, and instantly translate entire web pages—without switching between apps.

5. Continuity across devices

Experience the unity of Safari across your Apple ecosystem—sync passwords, bookmarks, history, and tabs seamlessly between your Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

The magic of Handoff comes into play when your devices are in proximity, effortlessly passing your Safari activities from one device to another.

You can easily copy images, videos, or text from Safari on your iPhone and paste them into an app on your nearby Mac—or vice versa in a smooth and integrated process.

The hidden features of the Safari browser you didn’t know

While Safari may seem simple, it has hidden features beneath the surface waiting to enhance your browsing experience. Often overlooked, these features are convenient safety hacks that add a layer of efficiency to your Safari usage.

Here is a look at some of them:

1. Close all tabs with ease

One key factor that makes Safari so slow on Mac is having too many tabs open. But what if we told you there’s a hidden feature in Safari that lets you easily close all tabs, preventing any such unlikely scenario?

This feature helps you bid farewell to the clutter by closing all tabs simultaneously by pressing the “Done” button within the tab view. You can access the tab view by tapping the icon resembling two squares, and a magical option to close all tabs will appear.

2. Restore recently closed tabs

Have you ever accidentally closed all your browsing tabs when working on an important project? It’s usually a frustrating experience that hinders your progress. But worry not; Safari has your back. You can restore all the tabs in the tab view by long-pressing the “+” button.

You’ll view a list of recently closed tabs, allowing you to restore the ones you inadvertently closed. It’s a small hidden feature in Safari that is significantly convenient.

3. Effortless tab search

When your open tabs turn into a maze, Safari simplifies the hunt with its built-in tab search feature. A quick scroll to the top of your tabs view or a tap at the top of the screen reveals a search bar.

This feature ends too much scrolling and empowers you to swiftly locate the specific tab you seek.

4. iCloud tab browsing

Among all the hidden features in Safari, iCloud Tab Browsing provides convenience across your Apple devices. This feature harmoniously syncs open tabs across devices linked to the same iCloud account.

Accessing the same tabs allows you to seamlessly switch between Safari on your iPhone and MacBook. You don’t even need to log in.

5. Efficient sharing options

Safari has a hidden built-in share button that allows users to swiftly share a website via messaging, email, or social media platforms like Twitter. Its true marvel lies in sharing a site directly with another nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the magic of AirDrop.

6. Reader view

Safari goes the extra mile by providing a feature for distraction-free reading. The Reader View option in Safari browser enhances your reading experience by transforming the articles you read into a format that eliminates navigation and advertisements.

7. Customize toolbar

Safari recognizes that not every button is indispensable to every user. That’s why you enjoy the customization option by simply right-clicking on the toolbar to unveil the option to ‘Customize Toolbar.’

You can drag and drop commonly used buttons, remove others, and arrange them to your liking. Once done, a click on ‘Done’ finalizes your tailored browsing arsenal.

8. Tab pinning

For frequent visitors to specific sites, Safari introduces the concept of pinning tabs. Pinned tabs dock elegantly on the left edge of the tab row, offering swift access. A right-click on the tab and a selection of ‘Pin Tab’ ensures your go-to sites are just a click away.

To navigate pinned tabs effortlessly, click them as usual or employ keyboard shortcuts like Cmd + 1, Cmd + 2, etc., depending on their position.

9. Log in with Autofill

Streamline your login process by embracing Safari’s Autofill feature. Ideal for frequently visited sites requiring usernames and passwords, Autofill extends its functionality to details from your Contacts app, saved credit cards, and other form data.

10. Read offline

Safari allows you to save and view a page later via offline reading. You must access the page you want to read, tap the Share icon, and then Add to Reading List. You’ll access this page later in your reading list online or offline by tapping the Bookmarks and Eyeglasses icon.

Limitations of Safari browser

Even though it offers a seamless browsing experience, Safari is not immune to a few shortcomings that users should be mindful of. These include:

• Limited plugin support

Safari has few plugins compared to competitors like Chrome. The available plugins limit the customization options for users who rely heavily on browser extensions.

• Exclusive to Apple

Safari is primarily tailored for Apple hardware which means it cannot be used on Android devices. This makes it less versatile for users with diverse device preferences.

Final thoughts

You probably take your Safari browser for granted, but it excels in more than just providing you with safety and security when browsing online. Safari’s hidden features make it a browser and a great tool that adapts to your needs, providing an intuitive and efficient browsing experience.