Apple's Safari to take on Chrome, Edge with AI-centric upgrade
What's the story
Apple is currently developing a new version of its Safari web browser, expected to be released as Safari 18 later this year.
The upgrade will feature user interface enhancements, advanced content blocking capabilities, and an AI-powered tool named Intelligent Search.
This software is being tested alongside the upcoming iOS 18 and macOS 15 operating system updates.
The final version may include a personalized UI for popular page controls, a "Web Eraser" function, and AI-driven content summarization tools.
Intelligent search
Intelligent Search: Safari's new AI-driven feature
The upcoming Safari 18 will introduce a new feature called "Intelligent Search."
This tool, which requires manual activation from the page controls menu, will use Apple's proprietary on-device AI technology.
Specifically, it will utilize the Ajax language-learning model to identify topics and key phrases within a webpage for summarization.
This innovative feature is part of the browser's updated page controls menu that houses both existing and new page control tools.
Web eraser
Safari's Web Eraser: A step forward in user privacy
Another feature under evaluation for Safari 18 is "Web Eraser." This function aims to give users the power to delete specific sections of web pages.
It builds on Safari's existing privacy features, allowing users to remove unwanted content from any webpage.
The erasure is designed to be persistent, meaning that Safari will remember the changes even after closing the original tab or window.
Page controls
Safari's revamped page controls menu for added convenience
The updated page controls menu in Safari 18 is designed for user convenience.
It will provide quick access to a range of options that were previously scattered across various menus and the Share Sheet.
These include zoom options, webpage privacy settings, content blocking choices, extension shortcuts, and entry points to the new AI and erasure tools.
This revamped menu will be housed within the browser's address bar.
Visual search
Apple's visual search feature may debut in 2025
In addition to the Safari 18 developments, Apple is also working on a powerful visual search feature set for integration in 2025.
This tool will allow users to obtain information about consumer products while browsing images.
It is similar to the Visual Lookup feature, which enables Siri to identify plants, pets, and landmarks from photos.
However, the development of this tool is still in its early stages and Apple's final implementation strategy remains uncertain.