WWDC 2023: Apple Unveils New Safari Profiles and Enhanced WebKit Features
Apple announced an upgraded version of Safari for macOS Sonoma at the WWDC. This update introduces new privacy features, the ability to create profiles, and substantial WebKit upgrades, alongside the separation of work and personal browsing.
The new Safari version offers users a bevy of privacy features. Among these are the ability to lock the browser window, block trackers, and remove URL trackers. One of the key features is that Safari can now share passwords and passkeys to groups using iCloud Keychain. This transfer is facilitated with end-to-end encryption, enhancing security for users.
One of the standout features of the new Safari is the ability to create profiles. Users can now sandbox their activities separately for work and personal browsing. This segregation helps in keeping data and trackers from intermingling, thereby promoting organized browsing. The introduction of profiles is expected to revolutionize the way users interact with the browser, offering a more customized and secure browsing experience.
Apple is also making strides in the WebApps arena, allowing developers to leverage a new ‘Add to Dock’ feature for quick program access. Safari, built atop the WebKit engine, is undergoing numerous under-the-hood updates. These updates include new features like adding vibration support for controllers, support for external webcams in the iPad version of Safari, and AVIF support for older macOS versions starting with Big Sur.
As part of their claim that Safari is the “world’s fastest browser” and the “best way to browse the web,” Apple reiterated that third-party browsers on iOS and iPadOS are still required to run WebKit under the hood. The company’s ongoing commitment to privacy, speed, and usability are evident in these latest updates, reaffirming Safari’s position in the competitive browser market.
