Safari is Apple’s default web browser, integrated seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and macOS devices. Launched in 2003, Safari was briefly available for Windows from 2007 to 2012. Its popularity soared with the rise of the iPhone and iPad, and it now holds about 54% of the mobile browser market share in the United States.
Key Features of Safari
In many respects, Safari functions similarly to other popular browsers, allowing users to browse websites, bookmark favorites, and open multiple sites in tabs. Built on the WebKit engine, Safari was an early adopter of the HTML 5 standard and notably was one of the first to disable Adobe Flash by default. On mobile, Safari never supported Flash, aligning with Apple’s vision of a more secure and energy-efficient web experience.
Currently, Safari on macOS is on version 11.1, featuring Intelligent Tracking Prevention to curb cross-site tracking. On iOS, Safari’s version aligns with the iOS version, currently at 12.1.
Distinctive Features of Safari
While browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge share many common features, Safari offers unique functionalities that set it apart:
iCloud Tab Browsing
iCloud Tab Browsing synchronizes open tabs across all devices logged into the same iCloud account. This feature allows you to view and access tabs open on your MacBook from your iPhone or iPad, providing seamless continuity without the need for additional logins, unlike Chrome’s bookmark sharing.
Sharing Capabilities
Safari includes a built-in share button, enabling quick sharing of websites via messaging, email, or social media. One standout feature is the ability to share websites directly with nearby Apple devices using AirDrop, making it effortless to share information within the Apple ecosystem.
Reader View
Reader View enhances readability by detecting articles and presenting them without navigation menus and advertisements. This feature is particularly useful on websites that bombard users with pop-ups or have cluttered layouts, ensuring a clean and focused reading experience on iPhones and iPads.
Energy Efficiency
Designed with mobile devices in mind, Safari is optimized for energy efficiency. This translates to extended battery life on laptops and mobile devices, often outperforming Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers in power consumption, which is crucial for on-the-go users.
Limitations of Safari
Despite its strengths, Safari does have some limitations that may impact user experience:
Limited Plugin Support
Safari supports extensions, but its selection lags behind the extensive library available for Chrome. This limitation can be a drawback for users who rely on specific plugins for enhanced browsing functionality.
Apple Exclusivity
Safari is designed primarily for Apple hardware. Although it was once available for Windows and can be run on Linux with some effort, it is not supported on Android devices. The discontinued Windows version also lacks critical security updates, making it less viable for non-Apple users.
Absence of Tab Icons
Safari does not display favicons (website icons) on its tabs. Favicons help users quickly identify and switch between tabs in other browsers like Chrome, which enhances navigation efficiency.
Safari Alternatives
While Safari is the default browser for iOS and macOS, users have a variety of alternatives. On macOS, options include Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, and more. iPhone and iPad users can download browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge, offering a range of browsing experiences tailored to different preferences and needs.
Final Thought
Safari stands out for its seamless integration with Apple devices, energy efficiency, and unique features like iCloud Tab Browsing and Reader View. However, it has its drawbacks, such as limited plugin support and exclusivity to Apple hardware. For those entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, Safari offers a cohesive and efficient browsing experience, but there are plenty of alternatives for users seeking different functionalities or cross-platform compatibility.
