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Apple A-Z » Apple Software

Safari is Apple's default web browser optimized for use on its custom silicon. Ease of use, speed, and privacy are the tentpole features of the platform. Other features include Intelligent Tracking Prevention, third-party extensions, and Tab Groups.

AT● Sandboxing ● Content Blocking ● Extensions ● Privacy ● Password Manager ● Reading List ● Tab Groups

Page last updated: 1 year ago

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Safari is the default web browser across all Apple devices and is designed from the ground up for privacy and efficiency. Apple claims that its browser is faster and more battery efficient than any other available on macOS .

Users can download other browsers on Apple products, but only macOS supports fully-functional third-party browsers. Apple requires third-party browsers to use WebKit on iPhone and iPad , so users don't get the entire experience on those platforms.

Safari Features

Safari's basic feature set focuses on speed and ease of use, though there are some in-depth controls if users look for them. Customization options, shared Tab Groups, and Focus Modes can provide plenty for a power user.

Apple also touts privacy as a primary feature of its browser. As the web became more and more reliant on ad revenue, many agencies began tracking users' activities across the internet in an effort to show them relevant advertisements. The invasion of user privacy has become a business model for many internet-based companies, and Apple has been fighting against it.

With each new Safari software update, Apple has added more user-facing protection to expose tracking features of websites and keep user data where users choose.

Apple introduced Tab Groups in macOS Monterey and improved on them vastly in macOS Ventura . Tab Groups are a method of organizing websites into groups based on work or activities being performed.

Users can take it a step further and attach specific Tab Groups to different Focus Modes for even more customization. This means when Safari is opened with a Focus active, it will show the relevant Tab Group.

macOS Ventura also introduced Shared Tab Groups, which let users share a set of websites and interact with them in real-time. Active users are shown in each tab with an avatar icon, and any participant can open and close tabs.

Tab Groups are also available in iPadOS 16 and iOS 16 .

• Intelligent Tracking Prevention

Intelligent Tracking Prevention is a feature that does exactly what the name implies — it prevents trackers from following users across the web. Tracking methods are numerous, and new ones are implemented daily, but Safari is constantly updated to combat active tracking.

Users might encounter hidden pixels, trackers embedded in images, or social media buttons on any webpage they visit. These trackers are used to generate an advertising profile so companies like Google and Facebook can show users relevant ads.

This controversial feature has caused a lot of trouble for companies that rely heavily on user data. Facebook has campaigned against Apple for its tracking protection features, saying that it damages small businesses.

Generally speaking, a webpage is a series of text and images that should render using basic code. Technology on the web has changed over the years to include animations, videos, and interactive menus, which require some code to execute locally via JavaScript.

When a webpage needs to execute code using the CPU on a user's computer, it can run arbitrary code hidden within the page. Bad actors have hidden malware and adware within pages that need to run JavaScript.

While users could turn off Javascript in settings, this would break many websites and make browsing much more frustrating. Apple has taken a different approach by sandboxing its browser from the rest of the system.

When using Safari, each tab is completely isolated from the others so that any malicious code executed from one tab cannot affect other tabs or apps outside of Safari. The code would be unable to perform its task and crash the tab or force the system to warn users about the webpage executing an action.

• Fingerprinting Protection

Websites use a device's signature to render a page correctly. By requesting the current OS, screen size, model, browser, and IP address, a webpage can more easily render its content tailored to the device.

However, this data has become a tool for tracking by creating a unique "fingerprint" of the user visiting the webpage. Instead of allowing a page to access all of this information, Apple offers the site a simplified profile with a random identifier. This allows the site to get the necessary information to render the webpage while keeping the user private.

Using information available from Contacts and Calendars, Safari can surface auto-fill suggestions when a user is presented with a field. Auto-fill also extends to passwords stored in the iCloud Password or third-party password services.

If a password is being requested for the first time when signing up for an account, Safari will automatically generate a strong password and store it in the cloud. When requesting a password with auto-fill, the user will be asked to authenticate with biometrics like  Face ID  or  Touch ID .

Credit card numbers can also be saved for syncing. Protected data like credit card numbers and passwords are stored with 256-bit AES encryption.

This system also implements an iCloud+ feature called "Hide My Email." Instead of suggesting a user's primary email, it will generate an alias for that website. This help determines which websites are spamming mail or enables a user to stop mail entirely by turning an address off.

• Speed and battery optimization

Apple boasts that they have a fast JavaScript engine with the world's fastest desktop browser.

The following tests were performed to compare Safari to other browsers.

• Jetstream- up to 1.4 times faster than Firefox on macOS when testing JavaScript performance
• Motionmark- up to 2.0 times faster than Chrome on macOS when testing animation rendering
• Speedometer- up to 1.4 times more responsive than Firefox on macOS

Apple also says that using Safari will make your battery last longer than competing browsers on macOS.

• Up to 3 hours of additional browsing compared to Chrome and Firefox
• Up to 4 hours of additional video streaming compared to Chrome and Firefox

Safari on iOS and iPadOS

There are some differences between how Safari works on macOS versus iOS and iPadOS . The iPhone version of the browser is mobile-first, while the iPad gets the desktop website experience. However, neither platform is as open for extensions and control as the Mac.

Users can install extensions from the App Store to block certain content or customize their browsing experience. For example, content blockers act as the advertisement and tracking blocking toolset found within the App Store.

Extensions are only available for Safari and do not work with third-party browsers, even though they all use WebKit.

Safari on Mac

The Mac is more open to user customization and control through miniature programs across the operating system. Because of this, Apple has allowed third-party extensions to run within Safari.

As of macOS Big Sur , users can install popular add-ons from other browsers. Those web developers who want to submit these extensions for use on Safari will need little to no conversion.

Since Apple Silicon and Universal Apps have been widely adopted, there is little notable difference between how Safari operates on an iPad or Mac — at least at first install. The Mac still has wider access to extensions thanks to its ability to install notarized apps from the web.

• 1. Features
• 2. iOS and iPadOS

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• Connect to CarPlay
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• Get turn-by-turn directions
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Browse the web using Safari on iPhone

View websites with Safari

You can easily navigate a webpage with a few taps.

Get back to the top: Double-tap the top edge of the screen to quickly return to the top of a long page.

See more of the page: Turn iPhone to landscape orientation.

Refresh the page: Pull down from the top of the page.

Preview website links

Touch and hold a link in Safari to see a preview of the link without opening the page. To open the link, tap the preview, or choose Open.

To close the preview and stay on the current page, tap anywhere outside the preview.

Translate a webpage or image

When you view a webpage or image that’s in another language, you can use Safari to translate the text (not available in all languages or regions).

Add Safari back to your Home Screen

If you don’t see Safari on your Home Screen, you can find it in App Library and add it back.

On the Home Screen, swipe left until you see the App Library.

Enter “Safari” in the search field.

What is a Web Browser? Types and Examples You Need to Know

By Tibor Moes / Updated: July 2023

What is a Web Browser?

It’s impossible to use the internet in the modern world without a web browser. This powerful tool takes you across the web and shows you images, text, videos, and any other content type.

Maybe you don’t know it yet, but you’re using a web browser right now to read this article! There are plenty of browsers out there and they all work using (more or less) the same technology that we will explain below.

• A web browser is a software application, acting as a user interface, that allows users to access, navigate, and interact with internet content through HTTP, often in the form of web pages.
• Core components of a web browser include the rendering engine to interpret and display HTML documents, JavaScript engine for dynamic content, and network components for data communication, providing an integral user experience.
• Browsers also provide critical features like bookmarking, privacy modes, extensions for added functionalities, and security measures like phishing and malware detection to ensure safe and efficient web browsing.

Don’t become a victim of cybercrime. Protect your devices with the   best antivirus software   and your privacy with the   best VPN service .

A web browser can be defined as a   computer program that the user relies on to access information or sites on the World Wide Web   or similar networks.

So how does a web browser work?

Not all web browsers work the same way. Some of them may interpret different formats in different ways. This is bad news for the user, given that a website may look different to them depending on the browser they use. That’s why it’s important to create consistency between different browser applications. For this reason, there are certain   web standards   that are used.

Web browsers work by   talking to a server and asking for particular pages   users want to visit. The browser program will retrieve or fetch the code that’s often written in   HyperText Markup Language (HTML)   or similar languages.

Once it does that, the browser will interpret the code behind the script or language and show it as a web page the user wants to see.

Most of the time, this action requires user interaction in order for the browser to know which website or page to show. This means that you as a user have to use the address bar of the browser and enter the URL of the website you want to visit.

But what exactly is a URL and why is it important? Learn more below.

The Story of URLs

A web address of a website   is provided in its URL form. The acronym “URL” stands for “Uniform Resource Locator,” and it’s the type of information that lets the browser know which site you want to visit.

For example, when you enter the following URL into the address bar of a browser:   http://www.google.com , a browser will take you to the Google search engine.

What the browser did was study the URL in two ways.

First, it studied the “http://” section that refers to HyperText Transfer Protocol. This is the protocol used for requesting and transmitting files on the internet, and it can be found on most web pages. It defines how images, text, and other content are transmitted on the internet.

It’s important for this type of information to be transmitted consistently so anyone using a browser can access the information. A browser will know how to interpret the data located on the right of the forward slashes because it knows the HTTP protocol.

Next, the browser will examine the   domain name,   which is   www.google.com   in this example. The domain name lets the browser know the location of the server from which it will have to retrieve a page.

If you were to use a web browser ten or more years ago, you would have to type in the whole domain name   http://www.google.com . But web browsers are smarter today and no longer require you to specify the protocol. You can now simply type   google.com   and be taken to the desired page.

You can often find additional information or parameters at the end of a page. For example, if you were to visit the Nike website, you can find parameters such as   http://www.nike.com/women   that share more information about a particular web page on one website. For example, the “women” parameter lets the browser know you’re asking to see a women’s section on Nike’s website.

Browsers let users   open multiple links   or URLs at the same time. This is possible thanks to tabs. A tab creates a dedicated space for a website inside the same browser window. This prevents the program from cluttering your screen with different windows. It’s meant to emulate an old-fashioned cabinet of file folders.

Bookmarks and History

Web browsers have a great functionality that lets users access websites they want to visit at a later date. Users can do so with the help of   bookmarks that allow saving pages inside a browser.

There’s also an easy way to   access a list of all your previously visited pages   that can be found in the “History” section.

Introducing Cookies

If you ever visited a website on the web, you must have seen a cookie notice at the bottom of the page. Unfortunately, this isn’t a notice about the yummy cookies hidden on your kitchen shelf.

In the world of web browsers, cookies relate to   information that websites save   about their users. These files are saved locally on your computer so when you visit the site again, your browser can open the page faster. Also, the website will recognize that it’s you who wants to visit and may remember your login credentials.

There are also more advanced cookies that are made to   remember detailed information about users . This can be the browsing pattern, personal interests, and more. This behavior is performed to provide a more customized experience, and it’s mostly used by businesses that promote their services.

You can also encounter   third-party cookies   that come from different websites you aren’t using. They can track your activity on another site and sell the information they get to companies. You can block this kind of behavior, but not all browsers will let you do that.

Now that we have covered the basics of what a browser is and its main features, let’s introduce some of the most popular browsers available today.

Web Browser Examples

There are dozens of web browsers to choose from today. Each example has its own nuance that makes some users prefer it over another.

The best programs out there are completely free. The options regarding interface, security, shortcuts, and other elements are different, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Here’s an overview of the most popular browsers.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome   is arguably   the most popular browser   today. It’s developed by Google, and it has the biggest web browser market share, with a whopping   65.87%   as of June 2023. If you were to look for the best browsers on the internet, you’d find Chrome to be the winner in the Best Overall category.

This browser works with   all operating systems , it’s fast and expandable, and allows cross-syncing between devices. This cross-platform browser is easy to use and has a dedicated feature for using less data. You can browse without saving the browsing history and use the incognito mode.

Some other notable features include an offline download manager, security alerts, and personalized recommendations.

Safari , or Apple Safari, has the second-biggest market share among web browsers with 18.61%, and it’s the default browser for Apple devices.

If you’re an Apple user, you’ll find the Safari browser to be powerful, efficient, and secure.

Safari is the   first browser to introduce a reading mode   to its users. This option will clear unnecessary elements from the page so you can focus on reading or watching a video without distractions.

The browser was also the first to introduce   fingerprinting protection . This feature prevents web trackers from identifying you according to your system specifications, which is a very common issue found in most other browsers.

New versions of Safari also allow for added customization options and provide a very modern browsing experience. You can use the company’s Handoff feature and continue your browsing sessions between devices.

This browser   only operates on Apple devices , which is its main downside for non-Apple users.

The   Opera   browser is great for collecting content. It   works on all operating systems , and it’s completely   free.   Some of the best reasons to use Opera include its built-in proxy, excellent security, and great interface.

There’s a   built-in ad blocker, as well as a VPN , so you can use the browser for a safer internet experience. This is especially important if you enter sensitive information on the web such as your phone number, address, crypto wallet information, and other personal or financial data.

Gamers will love the special browser version designed solely for gamers –   Opera GX . The browser includes Twitch integration, Razer Chroma support, and other features most gamers appreciate.

Chrome and Opera use the same Chromium-based technology, so you can use the Chrome store to add different integrations and add-ons to Opera.

The   Mozilla   browser is one of the best applications   for private browsing,   as well as for   power users . It’s one of the most flexible browsers out there and comes with cross-platform syncing. This means you can use the browser on your computer, mobile device, and tablet, and save your log-in information, passwords, or browsing history across devices.

This browser also has excellent privacy protection, and it’s endlessly customizable in terms of plug-ins, extensions, and theme support.

Some downsides include the app being a bit slower compared to the competitors. The program also uses more system memory than other browsers.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge   is the cousin of a once extremely popular browser called Internet Explorer designed by Microsoft. Edge is now the default browser for Windows devices. The browser uses the same code for rendering pages as Chrome, called Chromium, which means you can download add-ons, extensions, and integrations using the Chrome Store.

Edge runs just as well on macOS devices, so you can try it out if you’re a Mac user. This browser performs great when it comes to thrifty memory, disk usage, and overall performance. The developers use a new Startup Boost technology to reduce the time for opening a browser and its sleeping tabs.

Smaller Players Worth Noting

In the overview above, we listed some of the biggest players in the web browser world. There are many smaller names that offer quality services.

Vivaldi   is the best alternative browser when it comes to   customization options . It works on Chromium, so it’s closely related to Google Chrome. The best part about the experience is that it lets users change even the smallest details about the program. The interface is similar to Opera, so the tab previews, start page, buttons, and other tools look very familiar.

Some of the browser’s unique features include an Image Properties view with histogram, clutter-free printing, screenshot options, and more.

Brave   is a popular alternative web browser that strives to   reshape the web economy   from the ground up. The browser blocks web ads by default, and it introduces an innovative way for websites to monetize users’ attention. It rewards users for browsing by offering them their own company-made cryptocurrency. This makes Brave a popular option for users interested in the crypto world and tokens.

Like many other browsers on the list, this one is also based on Chromium, so you can find similarities with Google Chrome, Opera, and other browsers from the same family.

Tor Browser

Tor   is a great browser for users concerned about privacy who are not interested in the world of ads. The software offers   access to the dark web , which is the ad- and tracking-free world of the internet. Any traffic users make on Tor is encrypted in a company-specific way that makes it impossible to track.

The browser is based on Firefox, and it opens most websites just fine despite some privacy extensions and settings being locked.

A major downside of this browser is that the heavy encryption significantly slows down the speed of internet browsing.

Web Browsers Explained

Web browsers are powerful tools all internet users rely on for easy access to websites, web pages, images, text, and any other content. It’s important to understand how web browsers work to be able to get the most out of them, and this is exactly what this article aims to explain.

Now that you understand how browsers work, you can choose the best browser for your particular needs to make your daily internet experience better and more customized.

How to stay safe online:

• Practice Strong Password Hygiene : Use a unique and complex password for each account. A password manager can help generate and store them. In addition, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever available.
• Invest in Your Safety : Buying the best antivirus for Windows 11 is key for your online security. A high-quality antivirus like Norton , McAfee , or Bitdefender will safeguard your PC from various online threats, including malware, ransomware, and spyware.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts : Be cautious when receiving suspicious communications that ask for personal information. Legitimate businesses will never ask for sensitive details via email or text. Before clicking on any links, ensure the sender's authenticity.
• Stay Informed. We cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics on our blog. And there are several credible sources offering threat reports and recommendations, such as NIST , CISA , FBI , ENISA , Symantec , Verizon , Cisco , Crowdstrike , and many more.

Happy surfing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions.

Is Google a web browser or not?

Google is an example of a search engine, not a web browser. You can use Google on different web browsers to perform your internet search. Google Chrome, however, is a web browser of the same company.

How do I open a web browser?

Web browsers can be downloaded to your local computer or mobile device space and used from there. All you have to do is install the program and launch it whenever you need to use it.

What are the most popular web browsers?

The most popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari and Microsoft Edge.

Author: Tibor Moes

Founder & Chief Editor at SoftwareLab

Tibor has tested 39 antivirus programs and 30 VPN services , and holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Stanford University.

He uses Norton to protect his devices, CyberGhost for his privacy, and Dashlane for his passwords.

You can find him on LinkedIn or contact him here .

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Best Antivirus for Windows 11 Best Antivirus for Mac Best Antivirus for Android Best Antivirus for iOS

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How to Use the Safari Web Browser on iPhone

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In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Zoom In and Out

Jump to the Top of a Page

• Browse Your History
• Open a New Tab
• Find the Action Menu
• Use Private Browsing
• Search for Content

The web browser that comes with every iPhone , iPod touch , and iPad is called Safari . While you can  install third-party web browsers from the App Store , Safari is a great option for most users.

Apple adapted the iOS version of Safari from the desktop version that has come with Macs for many years. However, the mobile version of Safari is different in many ways.

These instructions apply to devices with iOS 12 or later.

How to Use Safari in iPhone and iOS Devices

To control Safari, you use the same gestures as found elsewhere on the iPhone. Swipe to scroll web pages and tap links to open web pages. But Safari also has some special features that might not have counterparts in other apps you use. Here are some tricks that will help you get the most out of your internet browsing.

Zoom in and Out in iPhone Safari

To zoom in on a particular section of a web page—for example, to enlarge the text on the page you're reading—tap twice on that part of the screen. This gesture enlarges that section of the page. The same double-tap zooms out again.

To have more control over what you're zooming in on, use the iPhone multitouch pinch feature:

• Put your index finger together with your thumb and place both fingers on the part of the iPhone screen that you want to zoom in on.
• Then, drag your fingers apart to zoom in on the page.
• To zoom out and make things smaller, put your fingers at opposite ends of the screen and drag your fingers together in a pinching motion.

To scroll down the page, drag a finger down the screen. On a long, scrolling page, jump back to the top quickly with a single tap. Tap the top center of the screen. The first tap reveals the address bar in Safari, and the second immediately jumps to the top of the web page.

The second tap should be near the top of the screen, on the clock. Otherwise, Safari opens the address field for you to type a search or website address.

Move Back and Forth Through Your History

Safari keeps track of the sites you visit. Use the Back and Forward buttons and gestures to move through the sites and pages you've been to recently. There are two ways to access this feature:

• Arrow buttons  at the lower-left corner of the screen are the Forward and Back buttons.
• Swipe to go back or forward. Swipe the left edge of the screen to go back and the right edge to go forward.

Open a New Safari Tab

Opening a new tab in Safari lets you visit another website without closing the one you're on currently. Here's how to use this feature.

These instructions use Safari with the phone in portrait mode. The features work the same in landscape mode, but the buttons may be in different places.

Tap the Tabs icon in the lower-right corner of the screen. The page you're on gets smaller. Tap the plus icon to open a new, blank tab.

You can also open a link on a web page in a new tab. Find the link you want to open in a new window. Tap and hold the link on the screen to open the menu. Tap  Open in New Tab . The link opens in a new tab.

If your device supports 3D Touch , long-press down to open this menu.

Find the Action Menu in Safari

The icon at the lower-center of Safari that looks like a box with an arrow coming out of it is called the Action menu. Tapping it reveals features to bookmark a site, add it to your favorites or reading list,  make a shortcut for it on your device's home screen , print the page , share a page, and more.

Use Private Browsing in iPhone Safari

Use the Private Browsing mode to browse websites without Safari keeping a browser history, search history, or AutoFill information after you close a tab. To enable it, tap the​ Tabs button   to open your browser tabs. Tap Private  in the lower-left corner to open a private browsing section. Here, you can press the plus button at the bottom to open a private browsing tab and start surfing the web.

To turn Private Browsing Mode off, tap the Private button again in the lower-left corner of the window.

Search for Content in Safari

Have you browsed to a web page that's full of text and want to find a specific word or phrase? The Safari Find on Page feature can help.

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What is Safari

Safari is a web browser developed by the North American company Apple for its macOS (used by MAC computers) and iOS  (used by iPhone, iPod and iPad) operating systems. The name Safari refers to the spirit of exploration that the company wanted to give to the browser.

Safari Origin

The project to launch its own web browser by Apple emerged in 2003, when at that time its computers still included as default the browser of the Microsoft company, Internet Explorer. In this way, in June of this same year the first beta of the browser was launched, which every two years was launching a new version. With the growth of the company, especially following the launch of the iPhone smartphone in 2007, the browser was becoming popular and is currently the fourth most used web browser in the world with a share of 4.74% only behind Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

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Home / SEO SEM glossary / Safari

What is Safari? – Definition

Safari is a web browser developed by Apple for devices running the OS X operating system. Safari is the default browser installed on iOS-based devices, such as iPhone, iPod or iPad, and Mac. It is based on the open source WebKit engine. For the first time, Safari was introduced in 2003 on desktop devices. Currently, there is no Windows version available – a version tailored for this operating software only ran from 2007 to 2012.

Features of Safari

This browser has been developed for many years, so currently it offers a wide range of great features. Its users especially appreciate the ability to synchronize with the cloud, launch the Private Browsing mode, and use the Download Manager. There is also a possibility to customize Safari and add more features by installing free extensions.

Popularity of Safari

The number of users of this browser worldwide is increasing year by year.  According to Statcounter, in December 2020, Safari was the second most popular web browser in the world, covering 19.25% of the market share. Interestingly, in December 2020, OS X was the 4th most popular operating system (7.08% of market share worldwide)

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Aby zapewnić najlepsze doświadczenia, używamy technologii takich jak pliki cookie do przechowywania i/lub uzyskiwania dostępu do informacji o urządzeniu. Wyrażenie zgody na te technologie umożliwi nam przetwarzanie danych, takich jak zachowanie podczas przeglądania lub unikalne identyfikatory na tej stronie. Brak wyrażenia zgody lub jej wycofanie może niekorzystnie wpłynąć na niektóre cechy i funkcje.

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When we need any kind of information most of the time we get help from the Internet, and we get information. The Internet provides us with useful information easily. We use mobile phones, computers, and tablets. We search for a lot of things in our daily lives, so we get information about all over the world, but we can not get information by just only getting connected to the Internet. We need a platform where we can search for our questions. The platform that provides such kinds of services is called a web browser, without a web browser internet will not be able to provide information.

What is a Web Browser?

The web browser is an application software to explore www ( World Wide Web) . It provides an interface between the server and the client and it requests to the server for web documents and services. It works as a compiler to render HTML which is used to design a webpage. Whenever we search for anything on the internet, the browser loads a web page written in HTML, including text, links, images, and other items such as style sheets and JavaScript functions. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari are examples of web browsers.

History of the Web Browsers

The first web browser World Wide Web was invented in the year of 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee. Later, it becomes Nexus. In the year of 1993, a new browser Mosaic was invented by Mark Andreessen and their team. It was the first browser to display text and images at a time on the device screen. He also invents another browser Netscape in 1994. Next year Microsoft launched a web browser Internet Explorer which was already installed in the Windows operating system. After this many browsers were invented with various features like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc. For more detail refer this article: History of Web Browsers

The choice of a web browser depends on the user’s preference and requirements. To know more about individual browsers please go through our Web Browser – A Complete Overview

How does a Web Browser Work?

A web browser helps us find information anywhere on the internet. It is installed on the client computer and requests information from the web server such a type of working model is called a client-server model.

Client-server model

The browser receives information through HTTP protocol. In which transmission of data is defined. When the browser received data from the server, it is rendered in HTML to user-readable form and, information is displayed on the device screen. 

Website Cookies

When we visited any website over the internet our web browser stores information about us in small files called cookies. Cookies are designed to remember stateful information about our browsing history. Some more cookies are used to remember about us like our interests, our browsing patterns, etc. Websites show us ads based on our interests using cookies. 

Some Popular Web Browsers

Here is a list of 7 popular web browsers:

1. Google Chrome:

Developed by Google, Chrome is one of the most widely-used web browsers in the world, known for its speed and simplicity.

2. Mozilla Firefox:

Developed by the Mozilla Foundation, Firefox is an open-source browser that is known for its privacy features and customization options.

3. Apple Safari:

Developed by Apple, Safari is the default browser on Mac and iOS devices and is known for its speed and integration with other Apple products.

4. Microsoft Edge:

Developed by Microsoft, Edge is the default browser on Windows 10 and is known for its integration with other Microsoft products and services.

5. Tor Browser:

Developed by The Tor Project, Tor Browser is a web browser that is designed for anonymous web browsing and is based on Mozilla Firefox.

Developed by Opera Software, Opera is a web browser that is known for its speed and built-in VPN feature.

Developed by Brave Software, Brave is a web browser that is focused on privacy and security and blocks third-party ads and trackers by default.

These are some of the most popular web browsers, there are other browsers available such as Vivaldi, Waterfox, and so on. The choice of a web browser depends on the user’s preference and requirements.

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Make Google your default search engine

To get results from Google each time you search, you can make Google your default search engine. If your browser isn’t listed below, check its help resources for info about changing search settings.

• Open Google Chrome.

• Under "Search engine," select  Google .

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Microsoft Edge 79 & up

• Open Microsoft Edge.

• On the left, click Privacy, search, and services .
• Scroll down to "Services."
• Click Address bar and Search .

Internet Explorer 11

• Open Internet Explorer.
• At the top right, click the gear icon.
• Click Manage add-ons .
• At the bottom, click Find more toolbars and extensions .
• Scroll down to the Google Search extension.
• Click Add . To confirm, click Add again.
• On the left, under "Add-on Types," click Search Providers .
• On the right, click Google Search .
• At the bottom, click Set as default .

Internet Explorer 10

• In the top right corner of the page, click the gear icon.
• On the left side of the page, click Search Providers .
• In the bottom left corner, click Find more providers .
• Select Google .
• Click Add to Internet Explorer .
• Check the box next to "Make this my default search provider."
• Click Add .

Internet Explorer 9

• In the top right corner of the browser, click the Tools icon.
• Click Internet options .
• In the General tab, find the "Search" section and click Settings .
• Click Set as default .
• Click Close .

Internet Explorer 8

• In the top right corner of your browser, click the down arrow in the search box.
• Click Find More Providers .
• Click Google .
• Click Manage Search Providers .
• Open Firefox.

• Click Change Search Settings .
• Under "Default Search Engine," select Google .
• Open Safari.
• Click the search bar.
• In the left corner of the search bar, click the magnifying glass.
• Open your browser app. It could be called Internet or Browser.
• Tap the Menu button on your phone or at the top right of the browser.
• Tap Google .

Important: This feature is available on new devices distributed in the European Economic Area (EEA) on or after March 1, 2020.

Tip: Learn how to set Google as your homepage .

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9 Best Browser Dictionary Extensions to Know Words Meaning Online

When you find a difficult word while browsing the web, all you have to do is search its meaning on your favorite dictionary website and you will have the answer. It’s good, but  don’t you think the process is a bit tiring? You have to completely lose the focus from your work and search the word in a separate tab by opening a specific dictionary. If you are not comfortable with this, then we have a great solution for you.

You can download a dictionary extension for your specific browser, which will let you search for the word’s meaning right on the web page. Dictionary extensions use different online dictionaries to search the word and provide details in a simple dialog. All you have to do is double-click on the word and click on the extension button, and you will get its meaning.

Checkout: Top 5 Best Offline Dictionary Apps for Android Users

9 Best Browser Dictionary Extensions to Find Words Meaning Online

1. google dictionary (chrome and firefox), 2. thefreedictionary.com extension (chrome), 3. dictionary pop-up by dictionary.com (firefox), 4. multi dictionary lookup (firefox), 5. dictionary (safari), 6. dictionary (google translate) anywhere (firefox and opera), 7. instaword (opera), don’t miss:-.

In this article, we will list down the best dictionary extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera. Each extension uses a different dictionary and offers a bit different type of information, so choose your extension according to your requirement.

Google Dictionary is by far the best dictionary extension for Chrome and Firefox. As the name suggests, this extension is provided by Google and it uses the standard Google search for finding the meaning. It has support for up to 13 languages and can translate the word as well. You can check for meaning, synonyms and example sentences.

It is also quite customizable with the ability to set trigger keys and word selecting method. Additionally, you can allow it to create a history of all, the word you have searched, which can also be downloaded to keep it with you.

Get it on Chrome and Firefox

This is another great extension for Chrome that uses TheFreeDictionary.com data to search for the meaning of the word. It is quite convenient to use and offers multiple ways to search for a word. You can double click on a word or highlight it to find its meaning and use in sentences. Furthermore, you can also search for words from the context menu (right-click menu) or using the extension button.

It has a huge database of dictionaries, including special ones as well, like financial, medical, legal and idioms, etc. Just like Google Dictionary, it should be able to handle every word you throw at it.

Get it on Chrome

Also Read: Electronic Signature in Word: How to Insert Digital Signature in Word?

A great extension offered by Dictionary.com. It uses the huge database of Dictionary.com and thesaurus.com, and offers a complete definition with examples. It also shows synonyms, right inside the pop-up bubble, and if you would like to hear the word, you can click on the microphone button to listen to it.

You can completely customize the extension from the options menu. You can customize fonts, bubble position, trigger keys, trigger method and the total number of definitions. If the information wasn’t enough, you can also click the “ More ” button to go to the main Dictionary.com site and access all the information.

Get it on Firefox

Multi Dictionary Lookup is perfect for people who look for words meaning over different dictionaries. Different dictionary websites offer different definitions and interface for displaying information. If a single dictionary website can’t fulfill your needs, then you should try out Multi Dictionary Lookup that will combine the most popular ones at one spot.

All you have to do is right-click on the selected word and select your desired dictionary from the list. You can access all popular dictionaries, like TheFreeDictionary.com, Bee Dictionary, Babylon, Urban Dictionary, thesaurus.com and more. The information provided depends on the specialty of the dictionary selected.

Also Read :- 13 Best Firefox Add-ons for Better Browsing Experience

Dictionary is a very simple extension for the Safari browser . It lacks a lot of features that most other extensions offer, but on the Safari browser, this might be the only one that is worth trying. Just like other extensions, you can double-click on a word and you will see a bubble on top of it. You will see a complete definition of the word and along with a link to the Wikipedia page (if available).

It will either use the standard dictionary to provide the definition or use details from Wikipedia to explain the word. If you are a Safari user, then this can be a good choice.

Get it on Safari

A multi purpose extension with a very responsive interface. This extension uses the Google search power for all the words, but it puts all of it in one little bubble. The main purpose of the extension is to translate words using Google Translate, but it also shows the word´s definition along with detailed examples.

You can also listen to the input word right inside the bubble, and this applies to all the supported 90 languages. Furthermore, you can also share the selected word via emails, SMS, Google+ or Whatsapp.

Get it on Firefox and Opera

InstaWord is a simple extension and a bit limited as well when it comes to features. However, it offers one of the most comprehensive details about a specific word. It works from the toolbar, and you can click on its button to start searching for words without leaving your current page. You can also select any word on the web and then click on the InstaWord button to import the word inside its interface.

When you will search for a word, you will get a complete definition, examples, synonyms and related words as well. Additionally, these categories are separated by Adjective, Noun, and Verb. If you have no problem with less convenience and want something that just answers all your problems, then InstaWord is a great choice.

Get it on Opera

Also Read: Top 7 Best Free Grammar Checking Tools to Check Grammar Mistakes

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Online Dictionaries are a great way to improve your vocabulary, but searching for words on the main website isn’t that convenient. You can use the extensions mentioned above for your default browser to get the main functionalities of dictionaries, right on the web page without any distractions.

We have covered the most popular browsers in this post, so you should be able to find a good extension for your browser. If you know any other good dictionary extension that is worth mentioning, let us know in the comments below.

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Iphone web browser choice gets one thing right, two things wrong, say developers.

Being prompted to make an iPhone web browser choice in Europe has seen an uptick in the use of third-party apps , but not everyone is happy about it.

The EU itself is investigating whether Apple’s implementation of the antitrust requirement goes far enough, and developers of third-party browsers say the process gets one thing right, and two things wrong …

iPhone web browser choice

While iPhone owners have been theoretically able to choose their preferred web browser since iOS 14, it wasn’t much of a choice, for a couple of reasons.

First, most people didn’t even know they could choose an alternative browser. The default is Safari, and you’d have to proactively install a third-party one and then manually set it as your default.

Second, Apple insisted that all browsers had to use its own WebKit API. That ensured that competing browsers couldn’t do anything to impact security of privacy, but it also meant that they couldn’t offer faster speeds, or features not available in Safari.

The EU required Apple to drop the WebKit requirement, and also to proactively present users with a choice of browser when they first use their device. These changes were introduced in iOS 17.4 , and only apply within EU countries.

Apple gets one thing right

Developers of third-party web browsers have seen an increase in usage following the implementation of the changes, and they say Apple did play fair in one important respect: browsers are listed in random order, and Safari doesn’t get any special position or prominence in the list.

But two things remain unfair, they say

Wired spoke to a number of developers of alternative iPhone web browsers, and found that they had two criticisms.

First, iPhone owners are not asked to make their choice during the initial iPhone setup process. Instead, they are only presented with the choice when they first open the Safari app. This means that Safari has already presented itself as the default.

“It starts from you clicking Safari,” says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO and cofounder of Vivaldi. “Which, I think all of us agree, that’s the wrong spot.” Tetzchner said he prefers Google’s implementation of its new browser choice screen that guides Android users to select a default while setting up their phone.

Second, users are given zero information about each browser – just a list of names, many of which will be unfamiliar to non-techy users. That reinforces the idea that they should select Safari unless they already know a reason to make a different choice.

“Giving people information about the choice, and also information about what they’re choosing is really, really important,” says Kush Amlani, a global competition and regulatory counsel at Mozilla, which makes the Firefox browser.

A fairer option would be to give each developer a few words to pitch their browser. DuckDuckGo, for example, might have something like “Uses our privacy-first search engine, which doesn’t track you or filter your results.”

We’ll need to wait for the EU’s conclusion to determine what changes might be needed to comply with the law.

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Apple’s Safari Browser May Let You Erase Ads Completely With New AI Makeover

Safari could look more like arc browser on ios 18 and macos 15 with new ai summaries handled on-device..

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are already being drowned in new AI features, so we suppose it was inevitable that Apple would also try to shove some AI activities into its default browser. With Apple reportedly jumping on the AI hype train for iOS 18 (though getting on at the caboose end rather than the passenger car) the company at the end of 1 Infinite Loop may try to shove AI summaries and browser assistants into Safari in a move that’s reminiscent of the existing Arc Browser . Unlike the competition, this time Apple could be powering it all from the device itself, rather than the cloud.

Related Content

Related products.

More interestingly, the browser could let you highlight and erase whole sections of web pages. Tired of the banner ads on top of Gizmodo’s site? If the rumors are true, Safari might have the ability to mask that. It all comes from a report from Apple Insider based on the latest builds of Safari 18 . The controls hidden in the latest test models of the browser seem to indicate Safari would paper over sections of a site you don’t want to see. Better yet, it would remember your selections and re-erase the same parts of the page if you come back to it later. You would have the option of reverting the page to its original state.

That feature is akin to apps like 1Blocker on Safari with iPhone or uBlock Origin on other browsers, two apps that allow you to apply cosmetic filters on offending ads. 1Blocker in particular tells Safari what parts of the page to open, which also may help increase the speed at which the page loads.

Of course, advertisers and online publishers would not be happy about any built-in ad-blocking features. The click-centric publishing model is already flailing with the greater push for AI in Google Search .

But this is still extremely early, and code found inside Safari 18 does not necessarily point to how Apple plans to roll out these features, if at all. But AI upgrades to Safari feel inevitable. The so-called “Intelligent Search” would use a large language model to find key phrases and words in an article as the basis for its summary. AI summaries are already available in Edge through the Copilot feature, and Chrome’s Gemini-powered assistant can perform a similar task.

AI features may be Apple’s best bet if it wants to take a hammer to Google’s search and ad monopoly. That’s what Microsoft has been doing with its Edge browser and Bing search, but so far Google Search and Chrome remain dominant in their categories. Apple is also going all-in on AI with its upcoming releases. The M4 chip , expected to debut along with the new OLED iPad Pro , will reportedly have a better neural processor than its previous M-series CPUs. Similarly, the next iPhone 16 is said to have a bunch of AI capabilities with the promise of running some of these language models or art generators on-device.

We’ll likely hear more about this when WWDC rolls around on June 10 .

Blazing fast. Incredibly private.

Safari is the best way to experience the Internet on all your Apple devices. It brings robust customisation options, powerful privacy protections and optimises battery life — so you can browse how you like, when you like. And when it comes to speed, it’s the world’s fastest browser. 1

Performance

More with the battery. less with the loading..

With a blazing-fast JavaScript engine, Safari is the world’s fastest browser. 1 It’s developed to run specifically on Apple devices, so it’s geared to make the most out of your battery life and deliver long-lasting power.

Increased performance

We’re always working to make the fastest desktop browser on the planet even faster.

Improved power efficiency

Safari lets you do more online on a single charge.

Up to 4 hours more streaming videos compared with Chrome 3

Up to 17 hours of video streaming 3

Best-in-class browsing

Safari outperforms both Mac and PC browsers in benchmark after benchmark on the same Mac. 4

• JetStream /
• MotionMark /
• Speedometer /

JavaScript performance on advanced web applications. 4

Safari vs. other Mac browsers

Safari on macOS

Chrome on macOS

Edge on macOS

Firefox on macOS

Safari vs. Windows 11 browsers

Chrome on Windows 11

Edge on Windows 11

Firefox on Windows 11

Rendering performance of animated content. 4

Web application responsiveness. 4

4K video streaming

See your favourite shows and films in their best light. Safari supports in-browser 4K HDR video playback for YouTube, Netflix and Apple TV+. 5 And it runs efficiently for longer-lasting battery life.

Privacy is built in.

Online privacy isn’t just something you should hope for — it’s something you should expect. That’s why Safari comes with industry-leading privacy protection technology built in, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention that identifies trackers and helps prevent them from profiling or following you across the web. Upgrading to iCloud+ gives you even more privacy protections, including the ability to sign up for websites and services without having to share your personal email address.

Intelligent Tracking Prevention

Safari stops trackers in their tracks.

What you browse is no one’s business but your own. Safari has built‑in protections to help stop websites and data-collection companies from watching and profiling you based on your browsing activity. Intelligent Tracking Prevention uses on-device intelligence to help prevent cross-site tracking and stops known trackers from using your IP address — making it incredibly difficult to learn who you are and what you’re interested in.

Privacy Report

Safari makes it simple to see how your privacy is protected on all the websites you visit. Click Privacy Report in the Safari menu for a snapshot of cross-site trackers currently prevented from profiling you on the website you’re visiting. Or view a weekly Privacy Report to see how Safari protects you as you browse over time.

Customisation

Putting the you in url..

Safari is more customisable than ever. Organise your tabs into Tab Groups so it’s easy to go from one interest to the next. Set a custom background image and fine-tune your browser window with your favourite features — like Reading List, Favourites, iCloud Tabs and Siri Suggestions. And third-party extensions for iPhone, iPad and Mac let you do even more with Safari, so you can browse the way you want across all your devices.

Safari Profiles allow you to separate your history, extensions, Tab Groups, favourites, cookies and more. Quickly switch between profiles for topics you create, like Personal and Work.

Web apps let you save your favourite websites to the Dock on Mac and to the Home Screen on iPhone and iPad. A simplified toolbar and separate settings give you an app-like experience.

Safari Extensions add functionality to your browser to help you explore the web the way you want. Find and add your favourite extensions in the dedicated Safari category on the App Store.

Save and organise your tabs in the way that works best for you. Name your Tab Groups, edit them and switch among them across devices. You can also share Tab Groups — making planning your next family trip or group project easier and more collaborative.

Smart Tools

Designed to help your work flow..

Built-in tools create a browsing experience that’s far more immersive, intuitive and immediate. Get detailed information about a subject in a photo with just a click, select text within any image, instantly translate an entire web page and quickly take notes wherever you are on a site — without having to switch apps.

Notes is your go-to app to capture any thought. And with the Quick Note feature, you can instantly jot down ideas as you browse websites without having to leave Safari.

Translation

Translate entire web pages with a single click. You can also get translations for text in images and paused video without leaving Safari.

Interact with text in any image or paused video on the web using functions like copy and paste, translate and lookup. 6

Visual Look Up

Quickly learn more about landmarks, works of art, breeds of dogs and more with only a photo or an image you find online. And easily lift the subject of an image from Safari, remove its background and paste it into Messages, Notes or other apps.

Surf safe and sound.

Strong security protections in Safari help keep you safe. Passkeys introduce a safer way to sign in. iCloud Keychain securely stores and autofills passkeys and passwords across all your devices. Safari also notifies you when it encounters suspicious websites and prevents them from loading. Because it loads each web page in a separate process, any harmful code is always confined to a single browser tab so it won’t crash the entire application or access your data. And Safari automatically upgrades sites from HTTP to the more secure HTTPS when available.

Passkeys introduce a more secure and easier way to sign in. No passwords required.

Passkeys are end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks, and they are stronger than all common two-factor authentication types. Thanks to iCloud Keychain, they work across all your Apple devices, and they even work on non-Apple devices.

Learn more about passkeys

Same Safari. Different device.

Safari works seamlessly and syncs your passwords, bookmarks, history, tabs and more across Mac, iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch. And when your Mac, iOS or iPadOS devices are near each other, they can automatically pass what you’re doing in Safari from one device to another using Handoff. You can even copy images, video or text from Safari on your iPhone or iPad, then paste into another app on your nearby Mac — or vice versa.

When you use Safari on multiple devices, your tabs carry over from one Apple device to another. So you can search, shop, work or browse on your iPhone, then switch to your iPad or Mac and pick up right where you left off.

Save web pages you want to read later by adding them to your Reading List. Then view them on any of your iCloud-connected devices — even if you’re not connected to the Internet.

iCloud Keychain securely stores your user names, passwords and credit card numbers, and keeps them up to date on your trusted devices. So you can easily sign in to your favourite websites — as well as apps on iOS and iPadOS — and quickly make online purchases.

Designed for developers.

Deep WebKit integration between Mac hardware and macOS allows Safari to deliver the fastest performance and the longest battery life of any browser on the platform, while supporting modern web standards for rich experiences in the browser. WebKit in macOS Sonoma includes optimisations that enable even richer browsing experiences, and give developers more control over styling and layout — allowing for more engaging content.

Make Safari your default browser

Customise your start page, view your browsing privacy report, monitor your saved passwords, view your tabs across all your devices, read the safari user guide, get safari support.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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Reece Rogers

Why Apple’s iPhone Browser-Choice Option Sucks

You just bought a new iPhone in Europe and finished setting it up. You’re excited to start planning a much-needed vacation, so you tap on the Safari browser to search for upcoming flights. Oh, you suddenly see a pop-up asking you to choose a default browser. You quickly scan the list of options, only recognizing one or two, then decide to keep Safari and move on with your hunt for travel deals.

With the iOS 17.4 update , Apple now includes a default browser selection pop-up screen for European iPhone users. It’s part of the company’s response to the Digital Markets Act , which EU lawmakers enacted earlier this year to encourage competition on the internet. (The browser choice screen is not currently rolling out to iPhones in the United States.) While browser choice screens are, in theory, meant to level the playing field in markets dominated by a handful of gatekeepers , their effectiveness is determined by the quality of the user experience.

Many of the competitors appearing on Apple’s browser choice screen are dissatisfied with how it’s been implemented in European markets. Brendan Eich, CEO and cofounder of Brave , compared powerful companies that control the defaults on smartphones to street magicians who fan out cards to pick from but hustle you by forcing a specific card to the top of the deck.

An Apple spokesperson requested to speak off the record about browser choice screens. When WIRED declined and asked for an on-the-record comment, all further requests for an interview went unanswered.

Whenever someone updates their software to iOS 17.4 in Europe, they may see the browser choice pop-up the first time they tap on the Safari browser. After a short introductory screen about the default browser choice, a list of 12 browser options are displayed in a random order. The browsers that appear on the list vary slightly by country. Safari is automatically included, and the 11 other picks are browsers with the most iPhone downloads in a particular country that also adhere to Apple’s configuration requirements for defaults.

“It starts from you clicking Safari,” says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO and cofounder of Vivaldi . “Which, I think all of us agree, that’s the wrong spot.” Tetzchner said he prefers Google’s implementation of its new browser choice screen that guides Android users to select a default while setting up their phone.

Google actually has some experience implementing a choice screen to appease European regulators. When it was forced to add a search engine default selector to Android in 2019, many of the developers behind alternative options initially criticized the design and denounced Google’s practice of selling slots on the screen through auctions. The company responded by rolling out an updated pop-up without slot auctions in 2021. Google did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story.

The slow speed of enforcement from European regulation means any changes mandated by lawmakers only arrive after a drawn-out process. “Google had implicit permission to implement a bad version of it and run out the clock. In the process, it makes the entire remedy of a choice screen look bad,” says Kamyl Bazbaz, a vice president of public affairs for DuckDuckGo . “If you can only judge the effectiveness of a thing based on a bad version of it, you're gonna think it sucks.”

Julian Chokkattu

Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica

Brenda Stolyar

Matt Reynolds

A few representatives from smaller browser companies also expressed that they wanted more information included with Apple’s choice process, like definitions of what a browser is for less tech-savvy users and descriptions of the different browsers’ specialties. “Giving people information about the choice, and also information about what they're choosing is really, really important,” says Kush Amlani, a global competition and regulatory counsel at Mozilla , which makes the Firefox browser.

Sophie Dembinski, a head of public policy and climate action at Ecosia , mentioned how Apple’s pop-up appears for all iPhone users even if they’ve already gone into their phone’s settings and set an alternative browser as their default. In comparison, Google’s browser choice screen for Android users won’t show up if you’ve already gone through the steps of setting a preference for a third-party option.

While many developers are unhappy with Apple’s implementation, not every company with a browser on the choice screen expressed frustration. “We believe that Apple's approach to presenting the browser choice screen is fair and acceptable,” says Andrew Moroz Frost, the Aloha Browser founder. He pointed out the randomized order of the browsers shown on the pop-up as one example of Apple designing it in a fair manner.

Richard Socher, the founder and CEO of You.com , seemed more encouraged by there being a browser choice screen that includes the search-focused startup rather than frustrated by Apple’s implementation. “I think it’s great that there’s not the default already preselected,” he says. Socher highlighted the randomized order as a positive sign as well.

Is this choice screen a true turning point for alternative browsers to grow their user base? “We’re expecting to have a clear picture on user uplift within months, not weeks,” says Dembinski. While some browsers reported initial upticks in downloads , it still seems too soon to make sweeping generalizations about the long-term efficacy of Apple’s choice screen.

“We would like to encourage platform providers to also level out the playing field for app developers around the world, not just in the EU,” says Jan Standal, a vice president of product marketing at Opera . Some of the companies WIRED spoke with remain hopeful that the precedent of browser choice screens set by the DMA will inspire international software changes.

Shortly after Apple’s choice screen launched, the European Commision announced that the screen would be part of its wider investigation into how Apple, Google, and Meta might be breaking these updated regulations: “The Commission is concerned that Apple's measures, including the design of the web browser choice screen, may be preventing users from truly exercising their choice of services within the Apple ecosystem, in contravention of Article 6(3) of the DMA.” In keeping with its slow-moving tradition, this investigation may take up to a year to complete.

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