Apple’s Safari browser is getting a visual makeover as part of the upcoming macOS 12 Monterey update, which will be released later this year. There are several ways to try out the new browser before the macOS 12 update, including a way to install it now on macOS 11.
What changes are coming to Safari from macOS 12?
Before we get to how you can test the new Safari early on, let’s go through the changes to the browser, starting with the new user interface which completely changes the look and feel of the tab bar. Safari tabs now float as separate square buttons at the top of the browser window, much like Firefox has recently been redesigned Tab bar. However, unlike the new Firefox tabs, Safari completely replaces the search bar. Instead of a single URL bar at the top of the window, each tab now has its own, and when you click a tab it expands to show the full URL and you can enter other addresses and search terms as you normally would.
The browser’s page controls are also integrated into the tabs. Instead of the ubiquitous “X” button to close a tab, move the mouse pointer over the tab icon so that the “X” appears. Similarly, a new “…” button replaces and consolidates many of the usual toolbar buttons into a single overflow menu, including the page refresh icon.
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Safari’s interface also changes color depending on what website you’re on. Clicking between tabs dynamically shifts the color scheme, although only some websites currently support the feature.
The last big change in the new Safari is tab groups, which allow you to open multiple pages in a single tab. Tab groups have appeared in other browsers (with mixed reception), but they are intended to make browsing with multiple tabs less cumbersome.
Here’s how to test the new Safari before macOS 12 releases
The Safari redesign will be part of the macOS 12 update, but can now test the new design in the latest Safari Technology Preview for macOS 11.3 Big Sur. It’s also available in the macOS 12 beta, but the Safari Preview method is a lot easier. It is also installed as a separate app from normal Safari. If you don’t like the changes or are having issues with the Safari Technology Preview, you can simply switch back to the regular Safari app until macOS 12 and the new Safari updates come out and replace the current user interface.
- Update to macOS Big Sur 11.3 if you haven’t already. Click the Apple menu and then go to System settings> Software update to check your macOS version. click “Update now” when an update is available.
- Download the Safari Technology Preview for Big Sur from the. download and install it Safari developer download page.
- Run the Safari Technology Preview. The new tab interface is immediately visible.
[AppleInsider]
