Lacking the acquainted Safari design from iOS 18? In iOS 26, at present in beta, Apple has realized from previous criticism and made it straightforward to ditch the brand new Compact format in favor of the traditional tab layouts chances are you’ll effectively desire.
iOS 26 introduces a brand new “Compact” Safari design because the default, however Apple has included two further format choices that basically restore the iOS 18 expertise. This is tips on how to get your outdated Safari again in just some faucets.
Find out how to Change to the iOS 18 Layouts
- Open Settings in your iPhone.
- Scroll down and faucet Apps, then find and faucet Safari within the alphabetical checklist.
- Scroll right down to the “Tabs” part.
- Choose both Backside or Prime as an alternative of Compact.
Each the Backside and Prime choices perform precisely just like the Safari tab bar layouts from iOS 18, so that you needn’t relearn tips on how to navigate between tabs or entry your bookmarks.
What is the Distinction?
- Compact Format (Default): Hides the share, bookmark, and tab settings behind a three-dot button on the correct aspect of the URL bar. It saves display area however requires an additional faucet to entry steadily used options.
- Backside Format: Locations all Safari controls on the backside of the display, making them simply reachable along with your thumb throughout one-handed use.
- Prime Format: Retains the normal desktop-style format with controls on the prime of the browser.
iOS 26’s three Tab choices from left to proper: Backside, Compact, Prime
All three choices now characteristic Apple’s new Liquid Glass translucent design that blends the URL bar and buttons into the background of no matter webpage you are viewing. The translucent impact works in each Gentle and Darkish Mode, and auto-adapts to match the webpage’s colour scheme.
Apple Realized From Its Mistake
This is not the primary time Apple has rethought Safari’s design after consumer suggestions. Throughout iOS 15’s beta testing, Apple initially modified Safari’s design with out offering format options and obtained full-throated damaging suggestions in return. It finally added choices to revert to the unique design. This time, Apple has gotten forward of potential complaints by constructing alternative instantly into iOS 26, which can see a normal launch in September 2025.