Apple is set to introduce significant updates to Safari with the upcoming releases of iOS 18 and macOS 15 later this year. Among the new features, according to a recent report, is an AI-powered tool named “Intelligent Search.” This tool will offer capabilities such as page summarization, allowing users to quickly grasp the main points of web content without reading through everything. Additionally, a “Web Eraser” feature is also about to debut, which could provide users with enhanced privacy controls or content management options on web pages. These updates indicate Apple’s commitment to integrating more advanced technology into its browser, enhancing both functionality and user experience.
New iOS 18 Features for Safari 
The report from Marko Zivkovic at Apple Insider, which outlines the potential updates to Safari, notes that the “exact implementation” of these new features “remains fuzzy.” This suggests that while the features are in development, their final form and functionality are not yet final. Given this uncertainty, it would be wise to view these claims with some skepticism until more concrete information is available or until Apple provides official confirmation and details about the updates.
According to Marko Zivkovic’s report, Apple is planning a redesign of the controls menu in Safari’s address bar. This new design aims to consolidate both existing and new page control tools into a central location, making them more accessible and easier to use. One of the notable additions to this new menu is a feature they call “Intelligent Search according to reports.” This tool is going to enhance the browser’s search capabilities, possibly by integrating advanced AI technologies to improve how users find and interact with information on the web. The specifics of how “Intelligent Search” will function are still not out, but its inclusion suggests a move towards a smarter, more user-friendly browsing experience.
The “Intelligent Search” feature, a part of the upcoming Safari 18, is off by default in the test builds but users can activate it from the new menu in the address bar. After enabling, this tool will be able to identify key topics and phrases within a webpage and subsequently generate a summary of its contents. This functionality aims to simplify the process of absorbing information quickly, making it especially useful for users browsing extensive or complex content.
Availability of the New Safari Browser Features 
The report suggests that Apple’s goal is to integrate text summarization into Safari 18 later this year, enhancing the browser’s utility as a research and reading tool. However, as previously mentioned, the specifics about how this feature will work remain unclear, and the exact details of its implementation are still under development. This “fuzzy” status indicates that while the feature is a promising addition, its final form might still be subject to changes as it goes through further testing and refinement.
Gizchina News of the week
Arc, developed by The Browser Company, is another example of how AI technologies are integrating into web browsers, including features like page summarization. This trend highlights the growing focus on enhancing user experience through smart tools that simplify online interactions.
Similarly, the upcoming Safari 18, set to come with the iOS 18 and macOS 15, may also adopt new AI-powered features. One such feature is the “Web Eraser.” According to marko zivkovic, this tool will give users the ability to selectively remove or erase specific portions of web pages. This in particular will be useful for decluttering pages, focusing on specific content, or managing how information displays on the screen based on user preferences. The “Web Eraser” could significantly enhance the customization capabilities of Safari, making it a more versatile tool for personal web browsing.
Take Control of your Web Browsing
The “Web Eraser” feature in the upcoming Safari 18 promises to offer users a more refined control over their web browsing experience by allowing them to selectively remove elements such as ads, images, and other content from webpages. This functionality mirrors what some third-party ad blockers already provide, but Apple’s first-party implementation in iOS 18 and macOS 15 could offer a more seamless and integrated experience.
A notable aspect of the “Web Eraser” is its ability to remember the user’s modifications to a webpage for future visits. According to Marko Zivkovic, once a user makes changes to a webpage using this feature, Safari will retain these changes and reapply them every time the user revisits that page, even if they close the original tab or window. This persistence enhances user convenience, ensuring that their browsing experience remains consistent across sessions, tailored to their specific preferences and needs. This could significantly improve the usability and appeal of Safari as a browser that truly adapts to the individual’s browsing habits and requirements.
When a user returns to a webpage where they’ve previously used the “Web Eraser” feature to modify content, Safari will alert them that changes have been made to the page according to their preferences. This notification ensures users are aware that the content they are seeing is not the original version but has been customized based on their earlier interactions. Additionally, Safari will provide an option to undo these modifications, allowing users to restore the webpage to its original, unaltered state if they choose. This functionality not only enhances user control over their browsing experience but also adds a layer of flexibility, enabling users to easily switch between modified and original content views depending on their current needs or preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple’s upcoming Safari update in iOS 18 and macOS 15 promises exciting advancements with AI-powered features like “Intelligent Search” for page summarization and “Web Eraser” for content control. While details remain under development, these additions suggest a focus on enhanced user experience, making Safari a smarter and more personalized browsing tool.
