How to Get the Safari Interface From MacOS 12 on MacOS 11
Apple’s Safari browser is getting a visual overhaul as part of the upcoming macOS 12 Monterey update, which launches later this year, and there are several ways to try out the new browser ahead of macOS 12, including a way to get it now to macOS 11.
What changes are coming to Safari in macOS 12?
Before we get into how you can test out the new Safari early on, let’s take a look at the changes coming to the browser, starting with a new interface that completely changes the look and feel of the tab bar. Safari tabs are now arranged as separate square buttons at the top of the browser window, somewhat similar to Firefox’s recently redesigned tab bar. However, unlike Firefox’s new tabs, Safari replaces the search bar entirely. Instead of a single line of URL at the top of the window, each tab now has its own, and when you click on a tab, it expands to display the full URL and you can enter other URLs and search terms as usual.
Browser page controls are also integrated into tabs. Instead of the always-present “X” button to close a tab, you now hover over the tab icon so that an “X” appears. Likewise, the new “…” button replaces and combines many of the common toolbar buttons into one additional menu, including a page refresh icon.
The Safari UI will also change color depending on which website you are on. Clicking between tabs changes the color scheme dynamically, although so far only a few websites support this feature.
The last big addition in the new Safari is tab groups, which let you open multiple pages in a single tab. Tab groups have appeared in other browsers (a mixed bag), but they are designed to make multi-tab browsing less cumbersome.
How to try the new Safari before macOS 12 is released
The Safari redesign will be part of the macOS 12 Update, but you can now test the new design in the latest Safari Technology Preview for macOS 11.3 Big Sur. It’s also available in macOS 12 beta, but Safari’s preview method is much simpler. It also installs as a separate application from regular Safari. If you don’t like the changes or are having trouble with the Safari Technology Preview, you can simply revert to the regular Safari app until macOS 12 and new Safari updates are released and replace the current interface.
- Update macOS Big Sur 11.3 if you haven’t already. Click the Apple menu, then go to System Preferences> Software Update to check your macOS version. Click Update Now if an update is available.
- Download and install the Safari Technology Preview for Big Sur from the Safari Developer Downloads page .
- Launch Safari Technology Preview. The new tab interface will be immediately visible.
[ AppleInsider ]