How to Use Safari’s New Tab Design in iOS 26How to Use Safari’s New Tab Design in iOS 26

Safari in iOS 26 introduces a fresh visual style with its new “Liquid Glass” design, featuring a minimalist, floating tab bar that gives more screen space to webpages. This new default “Compact” layout is modern, but it might not be for everyone.

Fortunately, Apple provides options. If you prefer a more traditional browser interface, you can easily switch back to a familiar look. Learning how to use Safari’s new tab design means choosing the layout that works best for you, whether it’s the new default or one of the classic styles.

How to Change Safari’s Tab Layout

You can switch between the three available tab bar designs at any time in the Settings app. The change takes effect immediately, so you can open Safari and see the difference right away.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps, then select Safari.
3. Navigate to the Tabs section.
4. Here you will see three layout options: Compact, Bottom, and Top.
5. Tap the layout you want to use.

If the new layout feels sluggish or you notice performance hiccups while browsing, you might want to give your device a quick clean‑up. A simple reset all settings on iPhone often clears out lingering configuration issues.

Understanding the Three Safari Layouts

Each layout offers a different browsing experience. Choosing the right one depends on whether you prioritize screen space or quick access to controls.

Compact Layout (Default)

This is the new default design in iOS 26. The URL bar is a small, floating bubble at the bottom of the screen that shrinks as you scroll. It’s designed to be minimal and maximize the space for web content. Controls for sharing, bookmarks, and other actions are tucked away behind a three‑dot menu icon to reduce clutter.

Bottom Layout

This layout is very similar to the Safari design from iOS 18. The tab bar is docked at the bottom of the screen and includes visible buttons for back, forward, share, bookmarks, and tabs. It offers a good balance between screen space and having essential controls readily available.

Top Layout

For those who prefer a traditional, desktop‑style browser experience, the Top layout is the best choice. It places the address bar and all navigation controls at the top of the screen, just like Safari on a Mac.

Additional Tips and Customizations

• Disable Website Tinting. By default, the Safari address bar changes color to match the website you’re visiting. If you find this distracting, you can turn it off. Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Tabs and disable the Allow Website Tinting toggle.
• Quickly Access History. In any of the layouts, you can tap and hold the back arrow button to see your recent browsing history for that tab.
• Stay Focused While Browsing. If you want to minimize interruptions, consider setting up a dedicated Focus Mode for web surfing. This can silence notifications and keep you in the flow.
• Match Your Home Screen Aesthetic. For a cohesive look across iOS, you might also want to explore how to customize your app icons, which lets you apply themes that complement Safari’s new design.

If you continue to experience issues after tweaking settings, a more thorough refresh may help. Performing a factory reset of your iPhone will return the device to a clean state, after which you can re‑enable your preferred Safari layout and other customizations.