Apple is experimenting with a new version of its Safari browser, according to AppleInsider. This version features changes to the user interface, improved content blocking, and a smart search tool called Intelligent Search.
The new software, likely to be called Safari 18, is set to launch later in 2024. It is currently being tested with upcoming versions of Apple’s operating systems, iOS 18 and macOS 15, insiders report.
If all planned features reach the final testing phase, users will see a redesigned user interface for adjusting common page controls, a “Web eraser” function, and AI-based tools for summarizing content.
Intelligent Search
In the latest versions of Safari 18 being tested, engineers have discovered a switch for the new page controls menu in the browser’s address bar. This menu combines and offers fast access to both existing and new page control tools, including the browser’s latest feature, “Intelligent Search.”
This feature is not automatically turned on in the test versions of Safari 18. It must be manually activated from the page controls menu. Once activated, it is thought that the tool uses Apple’s built-in AI technology, particularly the Ajax language-learning model, to detect topics and important phrases on a webpage to help with summarization.
Apple’s large language model (LLM) software picks out sentences that explain or describe the shape of objects, based on the text being analyzed. It identifies words that appear frequently and important sentences as topics of the text.
Early signs indicate that Apple aims to include text summarization with Safari 18 later this year, although details on how this feature will work are still unclear.
Apple’s text summarization tools might be an answer to similar AI tools from competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, Apple’s use of on-device models and technologies like Private Relay could offer a more secure user experience.
Additionally, Intelligent Search could be the same AI browser assistant that was hinted at by a user of product X a few weeks ago.
Web Eraser
From the new page controls menu, users can also access a feature called “Web Eraser” that Apple is currently testing. As the name suggests, it is intended to let users delete specific parts of web pages, say those who know about the feature.
This feature is designed to enhance the current privacy options in Safari, giving users the ability to remove unwanted content from any webpage they choose. Users will be able to easily erase banner ads, images, text, or whole sections of a page.
The erasure feature is reported to be permanent, not just for a single browsing session. This means Safari will retain the changes even after the tab or window is closed.
When a user returns to a webpage where content was previously removed, Safari will notify them that the page has been edited to include their changes. The browser will also offer the option to undo these modifications and return the webpage to its original state.
Apple may have been inspired to create the Web Eraser feature by the third-party app 1Blocker. This app allows users to tap on ads to remove them, a similar function to what Web Eraser offers.
Updated UI
The updated page controls menu mentioned in this article will make it easier for Safari 18 users to access various tools that were spread out across different menus and the Share Sheet.
In pre-release versions of macOS 15, for example, the menu also includes the “Aa” menu, familiar from the iPad OS versions of the browser. It features zoom options, webpage settings for privacy, content blocking choices, extension shortcuts, and links to the new AI and erasure tools.
The AI-powered Visual Lookup feature might be ready by 2025
At the same time, Apple is developing a stronger visual search feature that might be added in 2025. This feature will enable users to get details about consumer products while they browse images.
Those familiar with the tool mention it’s similar to the existing Visual Lookup feature, where Siri can recognize plants, pets, and landmarks in photos.
Visual Search might become a feature available across the whole system. This means users could possibly use Visual Search in Safari by selecting an image, instead of just in the Photos app.
Since this tool is still early in development, it’s uncertain how Apple will eventually implement it. It’s also unknown if the feature will pass internal testing.
Safari Updates
Safari was created to compete with other web browsers from the start.
Initially, Safari was introduced on macOS to take over from Microsoft’s Internet Explorer for Mac, which was the default browser. Over time, the app expanded to the iPhone and has been updated regularly since.
The latest versions of Safari offer users personalized web recommendations and enhanced privacy features, including iCloud Private Relay.
These latest improvements aim to strengthen Safari’s position against its competitors, especially with the rise of AI tools and independent ad-blockers.
While Apple experiments with many features during development, it’s important to note that not all features are guaranteed to launch. Some features may be postponed or cancelled entirely, so these new Safari enhancements might not be released.
In addition to Safari 18 and its updates, a new Calculator with Math Notes is expected to appear in iPadOS 18. Other upcoming OS features include Freeform Scenes and Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, expected to be introduced later this year.
Apple plans to roll out various AI-focused updates in iOS 18 and macOS 15, which are likely to be unveiled at the company’s annual WWDC on June 10.
What we think?
I think the new Safari 18 with AI sounds exciting. It will make browsing easier with a smarter search tool and a Web Eraser that lets you remove parts of web pages you don’t like.
The AI will help summarize pages, which could be very helpful. I’m looking forward to seeing how these features work in real life, especially the privacy options. It seems like a big step forward for Safari.
