At the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote event, Apple introduced several updates to its Safari browser. The latest version of the browser, which will be available as part of macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, and iPadOS 17 later this year, will include features such as a locked mode for Private Browsing windows, tracking code removal from URLs, sharing passwords, and passkeys safely with groups, and enhanced tracker blocking.
One of these new features is the ability to lock Private Browsing windows when they are not in use. Users' passwords, Face ID, or Touch ID will protect locked windows. According to Apple, this feature will enable users to leave their Private Browsing windows open even when they're away from their devices. The locked mode for Private Browsing will arrive with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma later this year.
In addition to improved privacy options in Safari, Apple also unveiled updates geared toward enhancing ease of use and convenience. One such feature allows users to pin a website that has been added as a WebApp directly onto the dock within the upcoming version of macOS. This allows for easy access to frequently used web applications without having to navigate through multiple browser tabs.
Apple's focus on privacy continues with the addition of several security-oriented features for Safari. These include removing tracking code from URLs automatically and implementing improved tracker-blocking technology. The browser will also enable users to share passwords and passkeys securely within groups – a useful feature both for collaborative work environments and families that share devices.
The new updates announced at WWDC 2023 demonstrate Apple's ongoing commitment to providing its customers with enhanced privacy options and streamlined user experiences within its Safari browser. As these features roll out later this year alongside iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, users can look forward to an even more secure and customizable browsing experience on their Apple devices.