How Safari Highlights Works in iOS 18

In iOS 18, Apple introduced Safari Highlights, a machine-learning-powered feature that automatically extracts and presents the most relevant details from a webpage so users do not have to read through an entire document to find essential information. By analyzing the context of a page in real time, Safari surfaces actionable components—such as directions, contact information, summaries, and media links—directly inside the address bar interface.

On-Device Contextual Detection

Safari Highlights relies on machine learning models running locally on the device to analyze the structure and text of a webpage. When a page loads, the browser identifies specific entities, such as businesses, landmarks, movies, music tracks, or long-form written content. Rather than requiring users to manually search for relevant details or scroll past extraneous layout elements, Safari isolates this data and organizes it into a consolidated view.

Types of Surfaced Information

Depending on the nature of the visited webpage, Safari Highlights generates specific types of interactive cards:

  • Locations and Directions: When browsing pages for hotels, restaurants, or points of interest, Safari generates a card containing quick navigation links through Apple Maps, operating hours, ratings, and one-tap calling options.
  • Article Summaries: For long-form editorial content, Safari pairs with the updated Reader mode to generate concise, bulleted summaries alongside an automatically generated table of contents to aid quick navigation.
  • Media and Entertainment: If a webpage discusses a movie, television show, or musical artist, Highlights presents direct links to stream the content on platforms like Apple TV or Apple Music, as well as cast listings and release information.
  • Reservations and Quick Actions: For supported venues and services, direct integration hooks allow users to book reservations or order services straight from the surfaced card.

How to Access Highlights

Safari indicates the presence of surfaced data directly within the Smart Search field. When Highlights identifies key information, the Page Menu icon dynamically updates with an indicator to alert the user. Tapping the Page Menu reveals the Highlights card at the top of the menu, allowing users to interact with maps, call numbers, or view summaries without navigating away from their current browsing session.

Privacy and Performance

Because the underlying parsing mechanisms primarily utilize on-device intelligence, Safari Highlights processes webpage data locally without sending your browsing history to external servers. This architecture preserves privacy while ensuring that cards populate quickly and operate seamlessly alongside standard browsing functions.