Compact tab bar returns to Safari
If you prefer a cleaner, more condensed browsing experience on your Mac or iPad, the latest betas bring welcome news. Apple had removed the compact tab bar option in the initial releases of macOS 26 and iPadOS 26 - a surprising move given that the feature had been available for years.
The change may have been tied to the broader Liquid Glass interface overhaul and other priorities during development. Regardless of the reason, users who favored the single-line tab design were left without the option.
With the new 26.4 beta updates, Apple has reinstated the setting. On Mac, you can find it in System Settings, while iPad users can access it through the Settings app. The compact layout merges the address bar and open tabs into one streamlined row, reducing visual clutter and maximizing screen space.
Those who prefer the traditional “Separate Tab Bar” layout can continue using it, but the return of the compact view restores flexibility for users who like a minimalist setup.
Recommended Mac and iPad accessories
-
AirPods Pro 3
-
100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging
-
Apple Pencil Pro
-
tomtoc tablet sleeve bag
-
Twelve South aluminum laptop stand for MacBooks
The restored feature in Safari shows that Apple is still willing to respond to user feedback - even when it means bringing back a previously removed option.
Newer Articles
- China Achieves Quantum Teleportation Breakthrough Using Satellite and Fiber Networks
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Aims to Shift Focus From Specs to Smart Experience
- Gemini 3.1 Pro Arrives with Stronger Reasoning and Expanded Creative Capabilities