iOS 26 completely improves the Safari experience. The Add to Home Screen feature now opens any web page as a standalone web app with full-screen support and visibility in the App Switcher. Previously, these advanced features were only available on sites with the appropriate web app configuration. Now, any web page can be used this way.
Safari Gains New Features with iOS 26
Safari now supports HDR images. This feature will bring richer colors and better contrast to HDR-enabled sites. Additionally, Safari’s Enhanced Fingerprint Protection feature is now enabled by default for all web browsing in iOS 26. Previously only available in incognito mode, this feature prevents users from creating digital fingerprints by hiding their browser and device data.
Another new feature allows users to verify their identity online using ID cards, driver’s licenses, and passports stored in Apple Wallet. This feature stands out as a safer and easier method than uploading images of physical ID documents.
The feature is supported by the W3C Digital Credentials API and FIDO CTAP protocols. Sites like Chime, Turo, Uber Eats, and U.S. Bank, along with the Department of Motor Vehicles in several US states, are among the first to integrate this feature.
These innovations demonstrate Apple’s efforts to position Safari as a platform that prioritizes privacy and user experience. These key features allow users to browse the web more securely and seamlessly.
With updates like these, Apple strengthens its competitive position against other major players in the market. These steps go beyond superficial design changes and enhance Safari’s core functionality.
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