APPLE has changed the Safari layout in an update coming to iPhones soon – and it could make for some embarrassing interactions.
Safari, Apple’s native web browser, will reportedly list your search history in the centre of the screen when you tap into the search bar.
The change was spotted by 9to5Mac in a beta version of the software.
In the current iPhone software, titled iOS 18.3.1, there is no clear view of your previous searches.
Instead, you get a clear look of the personalised Safari homepage with all your favourite sites, suggestions from friends, privacy report, reading list and your recently closed tabs.
But in iOS 18.4, Apple’s upcoming update, that changes.
Having your search history so visible could be awkward if you pass your phone to a friend or family member.
iPhone owners have begged Apple to row back on the change.
“Oh please don’t do that,” one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote.
Another added: “That’s stopping lots of people from updating…”
While a third person tweeted: “From bad to worse w/ @Apple these days.”
There doesn’t appear to be a setting in iOS 18.4 that can disable the recent search view, according to MacRumors.
In the software’s current form, users would have to clear their search history via Settings to avoid any humiliating mishaps.
However, the software is still in beta mode – meaning Apple is still ironing out the creases.
So, it’s always possible the tech giant tweaks the feature before the software rolls out to the wider public.
iOS 18.4 is Apple’s next big update, which should include a raft of new features, including:
Apple News+ Food: A new section in the Apple News subscription package that features recipes from outlets like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats.
Priority notifications: Apple Intelligence – the clever AI that’s now in a range of iPhones – will sort your notifications in order of urgency.
From emails to app updates.
Here are the devices that support Apple Intelligence:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPad (with M1 chip or later)
- Mac (with M1 chip or later)
- iPhone 16e
Image Playground: This will gain a new sketch art style, to work alongside the existing animation and illustration styles.
Ambient music: Apple is putting an a new button in the control centre for when you need some chill tunes.
You can also use it with the action button that is present on select iPhones.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best…
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen, then tap in the bar and type a currency (like €200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you’re due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you’re down to 80% capacity. If you’re below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
