Apple updates Safari with vertical tabs and adaptive dark mode

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 21:20 · Archive

Apple is adding vertical tabs and adaptive dark mode to Safari across iPhone, iPad and Mac in iOS 27.3.

Apple is introducing vertical tabs to Safari in iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3 and macOS. The new layout can be accessed through Safari settings or the View menu, with tabs appearing on the left side of the display using icons by default to save space. Users can widen the tab bar to display website titles alongside icons.

Vertical tabs work with both Topics and Tab Groups for organisation, and users can pin tabs by dragging them to the top of the list. The feature is available across iPhone, iPad and Mac, including the iPhone Duo. Topics are created when automatic Apple Intelligence tab sorting is turned on.

Safari is also gaining Adaptive Dark Mode, which automatically darkens websites that do not have a native dark mode design. When browsing a bright website in dark mode, Safari offers the option to try adaptive dark mode, which darkens the background, adjusts text contrast, inverts logos and graphics, and rebalances shadows. Users can enable it for all sites or on a site-by-site basis. If a website already has a native dark mode or dark design, adaptive dark mode will not activate.

How it is being reported

• Safari finally gets vertical tabs — and a new way to make any site dark, all thanks to iOS 27.3A platform update is bringing Vertical Tabs and an Adaptive Dark Mode to Safari (on all platforms).TechRadar · 3 Nov, 21:00
• iOS 27.3 Adds Vertical Tabs and Adaptive Dark Mode to SafariWith iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, and macOS Golden Gate 27.3, Apple is making major updates to Safari. The browser is getting a Vertical Tabs layout, which can be used instead of the standard horizontal tab bar. It's a change that pairs well with the iPhone Duo 's larger display, but it is available across iPhone, iPad , and Mac. Vertical Tabs are located on the left side of the display and use icons by default to save space, but there is an option to make the tab bar wider to show website titles as well. Vertical Tabs work with both Topics and Tab Groups to keep things organized. Topics are…MacRumors · 3 Nov, 18:51

In this story: Apple · Safari

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