Apple Tweaks iOS 15 Safari Changes After Backlash

Apple Addresses Safari Mobile Browser Feedback in iOS 15 Beta 4

Responding to user concerns, Apple has released iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 beta 4, incorporating changes to the Safari mobile browser. The initial redesign, unveiled at WWDC, repositioned the tab bar – traditionally located at the top – to the bottom of the screen.

Initial Design and User Response

This alteration, intended to improve one-handed device usability, proved controversial. Many users found that frequently accessed features, such as the reload function or Reader Mode, became less accessible, negatively impacting the browser’s overall functionality.

Apple demonstrably prioritized user input in this update.

Restoring Familiar Features

Previously, the tab bar occupied its conventional position at the screen’s top, featuring readily available Reader Mode (indicated by the double ‘A’ icon) and reload buttons. Below these resided forward, back, share, reading list, and tabs controls.

The iOS 15 design eliminated these direct access points, prioritizing tab bar reachability. Essential functions were consolidated into a three-dot “more” menu, resulting in a list exceeding 20 items.

Internal Concerns and External Analysis

According to Apple analyst John Gruber, the new design lacked internal support even before its WWDC announcement. He reported that some within Apple questioned its usability despite its aesthetic appeal.

Matthew Panzarino, Editor-in-Chief at TechCrunch, concurred that while minimizing on-screen elements seemed beneficial in theory, it proved impractical. He stated that the design ultimately increased screen clutter and complexity.

“The implementation actually made the screen more cluttered and somewhat confusing,” Panzarino explained. “It didn’t significantly increase usable screen space unless scrolling was employed, which felt counterintuitive.”

Improvements in Beta 4

With the beta 4 update, Apple is actively resolving issues stemming from the initial redesign.

A dedicated Share button has been reinstated to the tab bar, and additional controls are now accessible through the menu. Given the frequency with which users share web links, this placement streamlines the process.

A reload button has also been re-added to the tab bar, positioned next to the domain name, albeit in a reduced size.

The Reader Mode button will now appear directly in the tab bar when available, enabling one-tap access.

The tab bar will now minimize during interactions with website buttons, resolving previous usability conflicts where buttons were obscured.

iPadOS 15 Specific Changes

iPadOS 15 users will observe that tabs now default to a separate tab bar located below the URL. The compact tab bar, which combines the URL and open tabs into a single line, remains an option configurable within Safari Settings.

Lessons from Google Chrome

Apple is not alone in exploring alternative mobile browser designs. Chris Lee, a former Google Chrome design manager, detailed a similar redesign for Chrome mobile, featuring a bottom URL bar that was ultimately abandoned.

Lee noted that the changes received mixed reactions, with mainstream users finding the new layout “disorienting.”

The Importance of Familiarity

Established user habits play a significant role in app usability. While the repositioned tab bar may initially appeal, users may discover that the changes hinder access to frequently used functions. Adjusting to new shortcut locations also requires a learning period.

Additional Beta Updates

The Safari update is one of several enhancements included in the latest beta releases. These also encompass a feature for sharing focus status with specific contacts, a new XL widget size utilized by Apple Podcasts on iPad, and various minor improvements.