Safari 17: Everything you need to know about the new macOS features
Macworld
The built-in web browser of Apple is likely the most commonly utilized application on your Mac, even surpassing the Finder for avid Mac users. As a result, Apple continuously includes useful updates to Safari, its browser. In version 17, which can be obtained through macOS Sonoma or as a separate download for macOS Ventura and Monterey, Safari offers assistance in enhancing productivity and security. This version is accessible for those using macOS Monterey, Ventura, and the soon-to-be-released Sonoma. Let’s explore the latest additions to Safari.
Web apps
The Mac version of Safari has now caught up to the iOS and iPadOS versions by incorporating a feature that has been available on those platforms for some time. A web app is essentially a website that is saved as its own app and can be accessed from the Dock by simply clicking on its icon. For more information on creating and organizing web apps on macOS Sonoma, please refer to our separate guide.
Profiles
You can create distinct browsing sessions for different subjects by creating a profile. For instance, you can establish a Work profile for websites related to your job and a separate Personal profile for browsing the internet during your free time. You can further customize your profiles by creating one for planning trips or for your hobbies. We have a separate tutorial on setting up profiles in Safari.
Private Browsing enhancements
When you initiate a private browsing session (by selecting File > New Private Window or using the shortcut Shift+Command+N), a browser window will open that does not store any information from your session, such as your browsing history. Additionally, this session will not be shared with your other Apple devices. While this feature has been available in Safari’s Private Browsing for some time, Apple has recently made additional improvements in version 17.
After a period of inactivity, a Private Window will become locked and can only be reopened with a user password.
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Private browsing is locked when the user is not actively using a private window. This means that if you step away from your Mac, for example, the window will automatically lock and its contents will be hidden. To unlock the window, the password of the current user account must be entered.
- Link tracking protection. Websites often use trackers in links, but now when you use Private Browsing (as well as links shared in Messages and Mail), the trackers are removed.
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Enhanced safeguarding against tracking and fingerprinting. Blocks recognized trackers from loading and detecting your device on webpages. This feature can be modified in Safari > Settings > Advanced by selecting the option for “Enable advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection.” It can be set to operate continuously or only during Private Browsing mode.
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By default, extensions are disabled. To enable browser extensions, go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and choose the desired extension from the left column. Then, in the main section, locate the “Allow in Private Browsing” option and mark the checkbox.
Multitab selection
To choose multiple tabs, press and hold the Shift key while clicking on each tab. Once you have selected your tabs, use Control+click to open a pop-up menu with various options.
Once you have chosen your tabs, you have the option to open them in a separate window, form a Tab Group, and perform other actions.
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Favorites bar favicons
Prior to version 17, the Favorites bar displayed links with only text labels. However, in the latest version, a favicon has been added for easier identification of the link.
Reworded:
Top: the previous method of labeling links in the Safari Favorites bar. Bottom: the updated method, featuring Favicons.
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Desktop Reading List widget
A prominent addition to macOS Sonoma is the inclusion of Desktop Widgets. These widgets include a Reading List option, allowing you to easily access your Safari Reading List directly from your Desktop. Discover how to incorporate widgets onto the macOS Sonoma Desktop.
One of the latest features in macOS Sonoma’s Desktop Widgets is a widget for Safari’s Reading List.
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Safeguards for app extensions to ensure privacy.
Users can now adjust privacy settings for individual websites within app extensions, as well as web extensions.
One-time verification code autofill with Apple Mail
If you receive a single-use verification code in Apple Mail, Safari is now able to automatically retrieve and use it in the browser.
