What you need to know
- Apple has made its Safari redesign optional in the latest iOS and iPadOS betas.
- Users can choose the traditional "Single Tab" over the new "Tab Bar."
- Apple is expected to release iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 this fall.
When Apple originally announced iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 at WWDC21, it revealed a complete redesign to Safari. The redesign included a new user interface as well as the new Tab Bar, which floated towards the bottom of the display for iPhone users.
While Apple argued that the new Tab Bar made it easier to navigate between tabs on the iPhone, a lot of beta users found the new Tab Bar to be clunky. Users would accidentally swipe to a new tab by accident. People also pointed out that, even though there was content to the sides and below the Tab Bar, it was basically unusable.
That feedback has led Apple to make a very significant change to Safari on the sixth developer beta of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
In the release notes (opens in new tab) for the sixth beta of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, Apple revealed that it would be making the new Tab Bar optional in Safari. Users now have the ability to also set a Single Tab, the design that users have enjoyed with Safari on the iPhone since it launched. The Single Tab setting will keep tabs at the top of the screen rather than floating towards the bottom of them.
The bottom tab bar has been redesigned to appear below page content. An option to show the address bar at the top is also available. (81118141)
So, it appears that, rather than completely get rid of the new Tab Bar design, Apple has decided to make it an option rather than required for users. That's a great idea, as it will give everyone the Safari experience they prefer. It will also give the company more time to iterate on the new Tab Bar without disrupting the experience we all know and love.
Apple is expected to launch both iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 this fall.
