Safari (web browser)

Safari is a web browser developed by Apple Inc. It was first released in 2003 with Mac OS X Panther and has since become the default browser on Apple's macOS, iOS, and iPadOS operating systems. Safari is known for its speed, energy efficiency, and integration with Apple's ecosystem.

History

Safari was introduced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs at the Macworld San Francisco conference on January 7, 2003. Initially, it was available only for Mac OS X, but a Microsoft Windows version was released in 2007, which was later discontinued in 2012.

Features

Safari includes several features that enhance the browsing experience:

• WebKit Rendering Engine: Safari uses the WebKit engine, which is known for its fast performance and compliance with web standards.
• Reader Mode: This feature allows users to read articles without distractions by removing ads and other extraneous content.
• iCloud Integration: Safari syncs bookmarks, history, and open tabs across devices using iCloud.
• Privacy and Security: Safari includes features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention to protect user privacy and prevent cross-site tracking.
• Extensions: Users can enhance Safari's functionality with extensions available from the Mac App Store.

Performance

Safari is optimized for Apple's hardware, providing fast performance and efficient power usage. It is often praised for its speed and low energy consumption, making it a preferred choice for Mac and iOS users.

Security

Apple places a strong emphasis on security in Safari. The browser includes features such as:

• Sandboxing: Each tab runs in its own sandbox, preventing malicious code from affecting the entire system.
• Fraudulent Website Warning: Safari warns users when they visit suspected phishing websites.
• Automatic Updates: Security updates are delivered automatically to ensure users are protected against the latest threats.

Compatibility

Safari supports modern web standards, including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. It is designed to work seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem, providing a consistent experience across Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Criticism

Despite its strengths, Safari has faced criticism for its limited support for certain web technologies and its smaller extension library compared to competitors like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

Also see

• Web browser
• Apple Inc.
• WebKit
• iCloud
• macOS
• iOS
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox