Safari gets Apple Intelligence upgrade with AI-powered tab sorting and custom extensions

Safari on macOS 27 Brings AI-Powered Features to Challenge Chrome

Apple announced significant updates to Safari at WWDC 2026, integrating Apple Intelligence across multiple new features designed to enhance productivity and security. The web browser will receive four major capabilities with macOS 27 and iOS 27, launching this fall alongside new iPhone models 1

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These new Safari features represent Apple's effort to compete with Chrome and other browsers by addressing common pain points in browsing workflows. The updates leverage Apple Intelligence to automate tasks that typically require manual intervention, from organizing research tabs to monitoring product availability.

Automatic Tab Grouping Simplifies Multi-Tab Browsing

Safari now uses Apple Intelligence to automatically organize open tabs into relevant topics, grouping similar concepts together. If you're searching for furniture while simultaneously planning a weekend trip, Safari will group websites for each topic separately 2

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. The automatic tab grouping feature can be enabled by tapping the icon with three lines in the upper right of the display while in tab view and turning on the "Automatically Create Topics" setting.

The AI-powered features extend to saved content as well. Safari will analyze and group pages saved to Bookmarks and Reading List by topic 2

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. A new "Resume Browsing" section on the Start Page lets users continue browsing topics recently closed or topics open on other devices, making it easier to maintain context across multiple browsing sessions.

Notify Me Feature Monitors Webpages for Changes

The Notify Me feature allows users to set custom alerts for specific webpage changes using natural language 3

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. Users can ask Safari to monitor product restocks, price drops, concert ticket availability, or stock prices without subscribing to third-party services 1

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To activate it, navigate to a website, tap the settings icon left of the URL bar, and choose the Notify Me option. You can describe what Safari should watch for and set a frequency—daily, weekly, or monthly checks 2

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. Safari will visit the webpage on your behalf, scan its components, and send a push notification when changes match your command 3

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. This agentic AI approach doesn't execute sensitive actions like completing purchases but simplifies repetitive monitoring workflows.

Custom Browser Extensions Created Through Natural Language

Apple introduced a "Create an Extension" option that lets users build custom browser extensions by describing what they want in natural language 4

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. The feature addresses niche workflows that third-party extensions don't always accommodate 3

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Apple provides suggestions in categories including Boost Productivity, Improve Focus, Get Creative, and Develop and Design. Examples include creating citations for webpages, setting focus timers, adjusting minimum font sizes, converting pages to pirate speak, styling websites like 90s designs, and highlighting webpage element dimensions 2

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. Once generated, Safari places the custom extension directly in the toolbar.

Automated Security Upgrade for Compromised Passwords

The Passwords app will automatically update compromised passwords to secured versions across multiple websites simultaneously 1

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. Apple explained that Passwords "securely navigates through websites to sign in and upgrade their accounts to strong passwords" 1

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This agentic AI capability extends beyond detection. The Passwords app will autonomously visit affected service websites, navigate password-changing pages, insert old credentials if prompted, generate stronger passwords, submit them, and save the new credentials 3

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. Users can trigger this with a single tap when flagged weak and compromised passwords appear 2

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Additional Updates and Compatibility Requirements

Safari will also receive performance improvements in iOS 27, with better power efficiency to reduce battery drain. Web apps and start page content will load faster, JavaScript handling will improve, and animations and graphics will run smoother 2

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Apple added new parental controls including an "Ask to Browse" feature requiring children to get parental approval before visiting new websites 2

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Safari features like automatic tab grouping, custom extensions, and custom notifications require Apple Intelligence, available on iPhone 15 Pro and later 2

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. macOS 27 is currently available as a beta to those enrolled in Apple's Developer program, with general availability scheduled for fall 2026 3

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