08.04.2025
Missing the familiar Safari design from iOS 18? In iOS 26, currently in beta, Apple has learned from past criticism and made it easy to ditch the new Compact layout
iOS 26 introduces a new "Compact" Safari design as the default, but Apple has included two additional layout options that essentially restore the iOS 18 experience. Here's how to get your old Safari back in just a few taps.
How to Switch to the iOS 18 Layouts
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Apps, then locate and tap Safari in the alphabetical list.
- Scroll down to the "Tabs" section.
- Select either Bottom or Top instead of Compact.
Both the Bottom and Top options function exactly like the Safari tab bar layouts from iOS 18, so you don't need to relearn how to navigate between tabs or access your bookmarks.
What's the Difference?
- Compact Layout (Default): Hides the share, bookmark, and tab settings behind a three-dot button on the right side of the URL bar. It saves screen space but requires an extra tap to access frequently used features.
- Bottom Layout: Places all Safari controls at the bottom of the screen, making them easily reachable with your thumb during one-handed use.
- Top Layout: Keeps the traditional desktop-style layout with controls at the top of the browser.
iOS 26's three Tab options from left to right: Bottom, Compact, Top
All three options now feature Apple's new Liquid Glass translucent design that blends the URL bar and buttons into the background of whatever webpage you're viewing. The translucent effect works in both Light and Dark Mode, and auto-adapts to match the webpage's color scheme.
Apple Learned From Its Mistake
This isn't the first time Apple has rethought Safari's design after user feedback. During iOS 15's beta testing, Apple initially changed Safari's design without providing layout alternatives and received full-throated negative feedback in return. It ultimately added options to revert to the original design. This time, Apple has gotten ahead of potential complaints by building choice directly into iOS 26, which will see a general release in September 2025.
Tag: Safari
This article, "iOS 26: Restore Safari's Old Layout From iOS 18" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
You may also be interested in this
Here’s What Apple&#…
09.09.2025
Following today's "Awe dropping" special event, Apple's iPhone lineup now contains seven models at different price points. The full new iPhone lineup is as follows: iPhone 16e (starting at $599)
WSJ: Apple’s 5G Mod…
09.21.2023
In the last few years, Apple has spent billions of dollars attempting to develop its own modem chip to replace the Qualcomm modem chips that it uses in iPhones, but
Deals: Anker Discounts Co…
09.22.2023
Anker has returned today with a collection of discounts on Amazon that offer sales on USB-C accessories perfect for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. These deals can only
Apple Watch Series 9 Retu…
11.29.2023
Black Friday deals have expired on most Apple products, but today Amazon is back with an all-time low price on the Apple Watch Series 9. Deals are available for both
Best Apple Deals of the W…
08.11.2023
This week we saw a good number of deals on various iPads, with the best sales coming from the previous generation M1 iPad Pro at Woot. In addition to the
OWC’s New Sale Incl…
05.20.2025
OWC kicked off a new "Spring productivity event" this week, offering solid discounts on a variety of USB-C docks, memory cards, external drives and enclosures, and Mac accessories. Some of
Apple Says macOS Tahoe is…
06.09.2025
Apple has updated its website to indicate that macOS Tahoe drops support for several Intel-based Macs that are compatible with macOS Sequoia. macOS Tahoe is compatible with the following Mac
Meta’s Twitter Alte…
07.06.2023
Meta today officially launched Threads, the new social media app that it has been working on as an alternative to Twitter. Threads was meant to launch on Thursday, but the
