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Safari
Safari · Cupertino, California, United States · founded 1976
What it is
Safari is a web browser and web technology platform built on WebKit. It is free and included with Apple device operating systems, with support for iOS, macOS, and extensions. Intelligent Tracking Prevention uses on-device machine learning to help prevent cross-site tracking, and Privacy Report shows cross-site trackers prevented from profiling you. Private Browsing does not remember visited pages or AutoFill information, and its open tabs are not stored in iCloud or synced across devices. Safari can sync passwords, bookmarks, history, and tabs across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. Built-in tools include page translation, text interaction in images and paused video, and Visual Look Up. Extensions are available through the App Store; Apple says they are reviewed, signed, hosted there, and updated automatically. Web apps can be saved to the Dock on Mac or the Home Screen on iPhone and iPad. When enabled, Fraudulent Website Warning alerts users to suspected phishing or malware sites; checking a site may send calculated address information to Apple and Google Safe Browsing. Apple no longer offers updates for Windows or other non-Apple operating systems; Safari 5.1.7 was its last Windows version.
For and against
For
- Included with Apple device operating systems.
- Privacy Report shows trackers blocked from profiling.
- Syncs passwords, bookmarks, history, and tabs.
- App Store extensions update automatically, according to Apple.
- Includes page translation and Visual Look Up.
Against
- No updates for Windows or other non-Apple systems.
- Checking suspected sites may send address information to Apple and Google Safe Browsing.
The verdict
Safari brings browsing, privacy controls, extensions, and Apple-device synchronization together at no separate listed cost. Its platform support is limited to Apple systems, and website checking can involve sending calculated address information to two services.
Who it suits
Safari suits people using Apple devices who want a browser with privacy features, extensions, and cross-device syncing. It is not a current option for Windows users seeking updates.
Plans and prices
Safari
Included with Apple device operating systems
Read 2 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
On the record
- Browser engine
- otherapple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Built-in tools
- Safari includes page translation, text interaction in images and paused video, and Visual Look Up.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Cross-device sync
- Yesapple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Extensions
- Safari extensions are available through the App Store, and Apple says App Store extensions are reviewed, signed, hosted by Apple, and kept up to date automatically.support.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- own_storeapple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Maker
- Apple says it was founded in Cupertino and has called the Bay Area home for nearly 50 years.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Passkeys
- Safari supports passkeys, which Apple says work across Apple devices through iCloud Keychain and on non-Apple devices.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Platform limitation
- Apple says it no longer offers Safari updates for Windows or other non-Apple operating systems; Safari 5.1.7 for Windows was its last Windows version.support.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy protection
- Intelligent Tracking Prevention uses on-device machine learning to help prevent cross-site tracking.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy Report
- Safari’s Privacy Report shows cross-site trackers it has prevented from profiling you.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Private Browsing
- Private Browsing does not remember visited pages or AutoFill information, and open tabs are not stored in iCloud or synced across devices.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Security
- When Fraudulent Website Warning is enabled, Safari warns about suspected phishing or malware websites; checking a site may send calculated address information to Apple and Google Safe Browsing.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Apple Support provides Safari help for updating, clearing browsing history and cookies, blocking pop-ups, and troubleshooting websites that do not load.support.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Synchronization
- Safari can sync passwords, bookmarks, history, tabs, and more across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Web apps
- Safari web apps let users save websites to the Dock on Mac and the Home Screen on iPhone and iPad.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Safari is a web browser app and web technology platform built on WebKit.developer.apple.com · read 2 Oct 2026
