Safari 18 to Feature AI-Powered Tools and a Streamlined User Interface

Safari undergoing significant updates in iOS 18 and macOS 15

Apple is reportedly testing a new version of its Safari web browser that is set to debut as Safari 18 in 2024. The upcoming version will come bundled with enhanced user interface (UI) customization options, advanced content blocking features, and a revolutionary AI-powered tool known as Intelligent Search, sources indicate.

Intelligent Search – AI to Transform Browsing and Text Summarization

One of the standout features in Safari 18 is the introduction of “Intelligent Search.” Users will be able to toggle this feature on from the new page controls menu, consolidating and providing quick access to a range of advanced browsing options. By leveraging Apple’s on-device AI technology, particularly the elegant Ajax language-learning model, Safari 18’s Intelligent Search will analyze web pages, identify relevant topics, and generate concise summaries to streamline the browsing experience.

Efficient Web Browsing Experience

Safari 18’s Intelligent Search tool aims to improve on-page navigation and content consumption, competing with rival AI-enhanced browsers. By selecting significant sentences and key phrases, Apple’s LLM software will categorize and summarize the content, subsequently presenting a concise overview to the user.

Web Eraser Feature for Enhanced Content Blocking

Furthermore, Apple is testing a highly-anticipated content-blocking feature called “Web Eraser.” Designed to enhance user privacy and reduce distractions, the Web Eraser allows users to effortlessly remove specific elements of web pages, such as banner ads, images, and text. Remarkably, these changes will persist across browsing sessions, ensuring a customized and streamlined web experience.

Persistent Modifications and Easy Reversion

Safari will alert users when revisiting previously altered web pages, informing them of the personalized modifications made. Users will have the option to revert changes and restore the site to its original state.

Revamped User Interface for Quick and Easy Accessibility

Safari 18 will continue to impress users with its updated User Interface. Introducing a new page controls menu, Apple has centralized various options previously dispersed across different menus and the Share Sheet. With the added convenience of access to AI and erasure tools, users will benefit from greater web browsing efficiency along with a unified and intuitive interface.

Redefined User Experience

MacOS 15 users will appreciate the inclusion of the “Aa” menu, previously prominent in existing iPadOS versions of Safari, while iOS 18 users will enjoy enhanced privacy controls, content blocking options, and various extension shortcuts, all conveniently located within the new page controls menu.

Visual Lookup Enriched by AI for 2025

Apple has announced plans for a 2025 release of an updated Visual Lookup feature, which will allow users to identify and obtain information on various consumer products when browsing through images. Similar to the well-known Visual Lookup tool enhanced by Siri, this AI-powered feature has the potential to be implemented system-wide, directly within Safari by selecting an image.

Robust AI Integration

Apple has long embraced artificial intelligence, and the proposed Visual Lookup feature is in line with the company’s ongoing dedication to on-device language learning models. While the implementation details of this innovative tool remain unclear, Apple’s commitment to enhancing users’ digital experiences continues.

Apple’s Safari 18 to Maintain Its Competitive Edge

Safari has evolved significantly since its introduction, emerging as a leading web browser under Apple’s meticulous development. With personalized web suggestions, heightened privacy protection features via iCloud Private Relay, and a new wave of updates, the streamlined Safari 18 strengthens its position against the competition in the face of generative AI tools and third-party ad-blockers.

Upcoming Releases and Apple’s AI Advancements

While Apple tests numerous features at different development stages, it is essential to note that not all proposed updates make it to the final release. Apple has employed a thorough screening process, occasionally delaying or canceling features. In addition to Safari 18, iPadOS 18 is expected to introduce exciting tools such as a revamped Calculator with Math Notes, Freeform Scenes, and Adaptive Voice Shortcuts. Likewise, the unveiling of iOS 18 and macOS 15 is highly anticipated during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, where AI-related enhancements are expected to soar.