Safari Web Page Customization in iOS 15

Apple introduced major customization updates to Safari in iOS 15, giving users unprecedented control over the browser’s interface and layout. This guide covers the key customization features added in this release, including the redesigned address bar, the personalized Start Page, website tinting effects, Tab Groups, and mobile web extension support.

Address Bar Placement

iOS 15 introduced a completely redesigned bottom address bar—referred to as the Tab Bar—designed for easier one-handed navigation. Users who prefer the traditional layout can easily customize the placement:

  • Bottom Tab Bar: Positions the search and address field at the bottom of the screen, allowing users to swipe left or right across the bar to switch between open tabs.
  • Single Tab (Top): Restores the classic Safari layout, locking the address bar at the top of the display.
  • How to change it: Go to Settings > Safari > Tabs, then select either Tab Bar or Single Tab. You can also switch directly within Safari by tapping the aA (Page Settings) icon in the address bar and selecting Show Top Address Bar or Show Bottom Tab Bar.

Customizable Start Page

The Safari Start Page received extensive personalization options in iOS 15, mirroring features previously found only on macOS:

  • Background Images: Users can choose from curated Apple wallpapers or upload personal photos from their camera roll to serve as the Start Page background.
  • Section Management: Users can toggle on, toggle off, and rearrange various Start Page sections, including Favorites, Frequently Visited, Shared with You, Privacy Report, Siri Suggestions, Reading List, and iCloud Tabs.
  • iCloud Syncing: Enabling the "Use Start Page on All Devices" toggle ensures that your customized layout and background image sync across all Apple devices connected to your Apple ID.
  • How to customize: Open a new tab, scroll to the bottom of the Start Page, and tap Edit.

Website Tinting

iOS 15 added a visual setting called Show Color in Tab Bar (Website Tinting). When enabled, Safari allows the interface header and footer to adapt to the accent color of the website being viewed, creating a seamless, edge-to-edge viewing experience.

  • How to toggle: Navigate to Settings > Safari, scroll to the Tabs section, and toggle Show Color in Tab Bar on or off.

Tab Groups

Tab Groups allow users to save, categorize, and organize collections of open web pages:

  • You can create custom groups for work, travel, personal research, or projects.
  • Tab Groups sync across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS via iCloud.
  • How to access: Tap the Tabs icon in Safari, tap the center tab counter or arrow at the bottom, and select New Empty Tab Group or New Tab Group from [X] Tabs.

Safari Web Extensions

iOS 15 added support for third-party web extensions directly from the App Store. Extensions allow users to customize how web pages render and behave, including adding ad blockers, dark mode styles to unstyled websites, password managers, and web scrapers.

  • How to manage: Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions, or tap the aA icon in Safari and select Manage Extensions.