iOS 17 Safari: A Sneak Peek at the Exciting Updates Coming to Apple’s Mobile Browser

Get ready for a revamped browsing experience on your iPhone as iOS 17 Safari brings a host of exciting upgrades to Safari, Apple’s default browser. With these new features, you might just find yourself tempted to ditch third-party browsers like Chrome or Firefox. While you’ll have to wait until the fall to try them out (unless you’re willing to experiment with the iOS 17 developer beta), Apple’s detailed presentation at WWDC 2023 has already given us a glimpse of what’s in store. The upcoming updates promise to simplify browsing, boost productivity, and enhance security, making us eager to get our hands on them.

In this article, we’ll delve into the top seven new features that iOS 17 Safari has in store for us. And if you’re curious about other exciting updates coming to your iPhone, be sure to check out our guides on FaceTime, AirDrop, and the new Journal app in iOS 17.

1. Profiles: Apple’s Safari takes personalization to the next level with the introduction of Profiles. Similar to Focus modes in iOS, Profiles allow you to create individual sets of open tabs, tab groups, browsing history, and favorites. Whether you want to separate work and personal browsing or manage different projects efficiently, Profiles enable you to stay focused on the task at hand.
2. Private Browsing Lock with Touch ID/Face ID: Maintaining privacy is crucial when using Private Browsing mode. In iOS 17, Safari adds an extra layer of security by locking these tabs when not in use. To access them, you’ll need to undergo a Face ID or Touch ID verification, ensuring that your browsing activities remain hidden from prying eyes.
3. Enhanced Search: Searching for information is a core part of the browsing experience, and iOS 17 aims to make it even better. Safari’s search feature will provide more relevant results and improve readability. Imagine effortlessly finding the latest MLS game scores alongside regular search results—a convenient way to stay updated while browsing.
4. Private Browsing Tracker Removal: Opening a private tab should truly ensure your privacy. In iOS 17, Safari takes another step toward bolstering security by blocking tracking cookies in Private Browsing windows. Additionally, it deletes URL tracking tags that some websites use to monitor your online activities, giving you peace of mind during private browsing sessions.
5. Autofill Verification Codes from Mail App: iOS 17 builds upon the existing functionality of autofilling verification codes received via Messages. Now, Safari will also utilize the Mail app, automatically displaying verification codes at the top of your keyboard for seamless login experiences. This enhancement further streamlines the authentication process across different apps.
6. Password Sharing: iCloud Keychain users will rejoice at the ability to share usernames and passwords with select groups in iOS 17. This collaborative feature ensures that credentials stay up to date whenever changes are made. While this functionality extends to various iOS apps, Safari is poised to benefit the most from this convenient and secure password-sharing capability.
7. Auto-Pause for GIFs: GIFs add fun and flair to web browsing, but they can sometimes be distracting. iOS 17 introduces an accessibility feature that allows you to pause all GIFs by default, including those encountered in Safari. By enabling the Animated Images toggle in Accessibility settings, only the GIFs you choose to play will animate, helping you maintain focus while browsing.

   

With these upcoming enhancements, iOS 17 Safari is set to revolutionize the way you browse the web on your iPhone. Stay tuned for the official release in the fall and get ready to explore a more streamlined, productive, and secure browsing experience like never before.