Apple is introducing major changes to its Safari browser with the upcoming iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, and macOS Golden Gate 27.3 updates. The new software versions bring a vertical tab layout, Adaptive Dark Mode for websites, and additional Siri AI capabilities designed to make browsing and managing tabs easier.
The changes are currently available to developers through the latest beta versions of Apple’s operating systems. The updates are expected to roll out to users in December after several rounds of beta testing.
One of Safari’s major additions is the new Vertical Tabs option, which lets users view open tabs along the left side of the display instead of the traditional horizontal tab bar.
The feature is available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. By default, vertical tabs appear as icons to save space. However, users can expand the tab bar to display website titles alongside the icons.
Vertical Tabs also work with Topics and Tab Groups, helping users organize their browsing sessions. Topics are created when automatic Apple Intelligence tab sorting is enabled in iOS 27.
Other existing capabilities, including pinning tabs by dragging and quickly switching between Tab Groups, will continue to work. Users can enable the feature through Safari settings or the View menu on Mac and iPad.
Apple is also adding Adaptive Dark Mode, which will let Safari display websites in dark mode even when developers haven’t provided a native dark theme.
When users with Dark Mode enabled visit a website with a bright background, Safari will offer a ‘Try’ option. Once selected, the browser will generate a darker version of the webpage.
The feature adjusts background colors, text contrast, logos, graphics, vector artwork, raised surfaces, and layered shadows to improve readability. Users can enable Adaptive Dark Mode for all websites or configure it individually.
Websites that already support dark mode will not trigger the feature. Developers can also add a tag to prevent Safari from applying Adaptive Dark Mode.
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The update also introduces new actions for managing browser tabs and windows. Siri can sort, move, close, and arrange tabs within Tab Groups.
Users can also ask the AI assistant to manage browsing history, including clearing records for a particular website over a specified period, such as the last 10 days.
Apple is planning to expand Siri’s webpage awareness further, allowing it to understand content across websites, including inactive tabs and information outside the visible screen. This capability is not available in the first beta.