Apple is working on a new version of that includes AI in Safari that will bring significant AI-driven improvements.
According to Apple Insider, Safari 18, expected to be released in late 2024, will feature a redesigned interface, new content-blocking functions, and an innovative tool called Intelligent Search.
This version will be integrated with the upcoming iOS 18 and macOS 15 operating systems, set to be announced at WWDC 2024.
Intelligent Search: Advanced Search and Automatic Summaries
One of the most anticipated features is Intelligent Search, an AI-powered function that will allow users to generate automatic summaries of web page content.
This tool will use on-device AI technology, leveraging Apple’s Ajax model, to identify key terms and relevant phrases within the text. This will enable users to quickly access condensed information without reading extensive content.
This technology represents a direct response to generative AI tools like ChatGPT but with a strong focus on privacy.
By operating locally on devices, Apple aims to ensure user data remains secure.
Web Eraser: Content Blocking and Customization
Another major feature in testing is Web Eraser, which will enable users to remove unwanted elements from web pages, such as ads, images, or text sections.
Unlike conventional ad blockers, Web Eraser will save these modifications, ensuring that when users revisit a page, their customizations remain intact.
The tool will also provide the option to revert changes and restore the web page to its original state. There is speculation that Apple may have drawn inspiration from third-party apps like 1Blocker to develop this feature.
The new Safari will also feature a revamped interface, consolidating key tools into a “Page Controls” menu located in the address bar.
This update will make it easier to access settings such as zoom, privacy controls, content blockers, and extensions. The unified design will align Safari’s interface across macOS and iPadOS, enhancing the user experience across all Apple devices.
AI-Powered Visual Search: A Glimpse Into 2025
Beyond these immediate improvements, Apple is also developing an advanced AI-powered visual search feature, similar to Visual Lookup, but with enhanced capabilities to identify products in images.
This feature could arrive in 2025, allowing users to obtain detailed information about objects while browsing images in Safari.
AI in Safari – A Legacy of Innovation
The implementation of AI in Safari 18 is shaping up to be a major milestone in the evolution of Apple’s browser. With AI-driven tools for search and content customization, Apple is signaling that its AI strategy extends beyond Siri.
While not all features in development may make it to the final release, WWDC 2024 will be a key moment to unveil which Safari innovations will see the light of day and how Apple plans to position itself in the competitive landscape of browsers and AI-driven tools.
Safari was originally introduced on macOS to replace Microsoft’s Internet Explorer for Mac, which was the default browser at the time. Over the years, Safari expanded to iPhone and received numerous enhancements, solidifying its place as a leading browser in Apple’s ecosystem. More recent iterations have brought personalized web suggestions, improved security measures, and privacy-focused features like iCloud Private Relay.
This latest update, with AI-driven advancements, positions Safari even more competitively in the growing landscape of generative AI tools and third-party ad-blockers. However, it’s worth noting that not all features tested by Apple make it to the final release. The company has a history of delaying or scrapping features, so while many of these innovations sound promising, they are not guaranteed to launch.
Alongside Safari 18 and its improvements, other updates are expected, such as a redesigned Calculator app with Math Notes on iPadOS 18, as well as new system features like Freeform Scenes and Adaptive Voice Shortcuts.
