Apple updates macOS Safari with a new look

Apple has released a redesigned version of Safari for macOS Big Sur and Catalina. The update, announced as part of the upcoming macOS Monterey, was released on the same day as iOS and iPadOS 15, bringing the new look and new features of the web browser to Apple’s platforms.

To update to the new Safari 15, you can go to System Preferences> Software Update, where it should automatically refresh and display. Unlike macOS updates, you shouldn’t have to restart your computer after updating Safari.

The development behind this version of Safari has been interesting. The full update to the operating system it was originally a part of, which also brings features like Universal Control and Quick Notes, isn’t here yet, but Apple has decided to ship anyway. the new Safari. For those who have upgraded to iOS 15, that’s a good thing – it means you can immediately use Tab Groups on all of your devices. The update also includes features like better tracking protection and automatic switching to HTTPS for sites that support it.

Image: Apple

While the Safari update brings new features, it also brings a new design. Apple has made several changes to it since its announcement (but not as many as those made to Safari for iPhone), adjusting it to be less drastically minimal. Aesthetically, this is still a major change from Safari 14, but there are preferences you can tweak to roll back some of the more annoying changes. If you don’t want websites to be able to change the color of your tab bar, you can go to Safari preferences> Tabs and uncheck “Show color in tab bar”. If you want your tabs to be on their own row, you can switch from Compact mode to Separate mode.

Unchecking “Automatically reduce tab titles to icons” turns the tab bar into a kind of carousel when you have too many. I definitely don’t prefer it, but it’s an option if that’s your kind of thing.

While Safari 15 takes a bit of getting used to (I’m still overcoming the learning curve myself), Tab Groups are a great feature to share between my iPhone and my computer. Safari 15 also ships with the usual host of security updates, although none seem too harsh. After the update, be sure to let us know what you think of the new design: is it a breath of fresh air or just another refresh that you’ll reluctantly get used to?