Apple has unveiled a new compact design for Safari in iOS 26, making it the default layout. However, users have the flexibility to choose from two additional design options if they prefer something different.
To customize the Safari interface, navigate to the Safari section within the Settings app. Here, you can select from three layouts: Compact, Bottom, or Top.
While the Bottom and Top options mirror the designs introduced in iOS 18, the latest version features a refreshed look that aligns with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. Functionally, the Bottom and Top Tabs maintain the same operation familiar to users of iOS 18’s Safari tab bars, so there is no adjustment needed in usage.
The Compact option, however, streamlines the interface by hiding share, bookmark, and tab settings behind a three-dot button located on the left side of the URL bar. A hallmark of the new design is the Liquid Glass effect, which integrates the URL bar and buttons into the webpage background, enhancing the visual experience regardless of the chosen layout.
This effect is consistent in both Light and Dark modes, allowing the color of the bar to adapt based on webpage content. As you scroll down using any of the Tab settings, the URL bar and buttons collapse into a single slim bar that displays only the webpage address.
This feature allows users to immerse themselves in the content without distractions. After facing considerable criticism during the beta phase of iOS 15, Apple has taken user feedback to heart and introduced more layout choices in iOS 26, reflecting the company’s commitment to user customization.
Additionally, various other design options, such as updates to the Phone app and glass-like icons, further exemplify Apple’s approach to user preferences in software design.
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