Apple Introduces Safari Vertical Tabs And Siri AI Enhancements

New Navigation And Display Features For Safari

Apple has introduced significant updates to the Safari browser across iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms. One of the most notable additions is the optional Vertical Tabs layout. This new organizational system places tabs along the left edge of the screen, a design choice specifically intended to better suit wider displays, such as those found on the iPhone Duo. This shift in layout aims to improve multitasking and tab management for users who handle numerous open pages simultaneously.

Alongside the structural changes to tab management, Apple is implementing a new Adaptive Dark Mode. This feature addresses the issue of bright websites that do not natively support dark themes. Users will now see a Try button on such pages, allowing the browser to generate a dark version of the website on the fly. This ensures a consistent visual experience and reduces eye strain regardless of the website’s original design.

Expanding Siri AI Capabilities

Beyond browser updates, the iOS 27.3 beta marks a major shift in how Siri AI interacts with the broader app ecosystem. Apple has launched a new Developer Preview that allows third-party app creators to integrate their content and actions directly into Siri AI using App Intents. This integration enables Siri AI to perform complex, custom actions, such as booking a table at a restaurant or checking the status of a delivery.

To further enhance this functionality, a new skills system has been introduced. This system allows developers to chain multiple actions together, enabling the AI to complete a sequence of tasks from a single user request. While these capabilities are being tested now, the timeline for public availability is gradual. Apple has indicated that these features will reach customers in a few months, with official App Store submissions for Siri AI integrations opening in the spring.

Apple’s own suite of applications is also seeing expanded AI integration. Siri AI now works across a wide array of native tools, including Mail, Calendar, Files, Finder, Journal, Maps, Messages, Music, Notes, Photos, Preview, Reminders, Safari, Shortcuts, and Weather. In the Mail app, for instance, the AI can now handle tasks such as unsubscribing from mailing lists or undoing a sent message. Within Safari, it can assist users by sorting and closing tabs or clearing the history for specific sites.

Health App Redesign And Language Support

The update also sees the return of a redesigned Health app that was previously tested and then removed. This version introduces an Insights tab powered by Apple Intelligence, providing users with personalized guidance. For owners of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, the app now includes a readiness score. Additionally, a new Longevity tab provides a Health Age estimate based on critical biometric data, including sleep patterns, heart rate variability, VO2 max, and resting heart rate. Access to these specific health features requires an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone.

Language accessibility is also expanding. While the current beta supports English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish, Apple has announced that support for Turkish, Norwegian, Vietnamese, and Traditional Chinese will be added soon. This expansion follows previous commitments to bring more language support to the AI ecosystem.

Availability And Deployment

The iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, and macOS 27.3 developer betas were released on November 3. These versions are intended for testing on secondary devices rather than primary daily drivers. For the general public, the final release is expected in December. This launch will coincide with the planned rollout of Apple Intelligence in China. While the core system updates will arrive in December, the full integration of third-party apps within Siri AI will take longer, as it depends on the spring App Store opening. Furthermore, Apple has noted that usage limits for Siri AI are planned for 2027, with paid options available for those requiring more access.