Apple Makes iOS 15 Safari Redesign Easier To Digest With Latest Beta

In the latest iOS 15 beta release, Apple brings iPhone Safari’s commonly used Share icon back again, but the bottom tab bar still remains.

DOWNLOAD MOVIE

Apple’s latest public beta release of iOS 15 contains several improvements to Safari for the iPhone that should ease the minds of those that found the previous beta inconvenient to use. A happy balance between change and familiarity is often the best approach to satisfy a broad user-base and Apple did resolve some of the biggest issues in this version. This might not satisfy everyone, but shows an ability to respond when a design change impedes functionality.

Apple updates the iPhone’s operating system annually but actually works on it year-round with security updates and bug fixes as issues arise. New versions begin work behind the scenes and undergo testing by Apple employees. As the latest version of iOS becomes more reliable, it is presented as an optional download for developers in order to test their apps, incorporate new features, and meet updated requirements. The next stage is public beta testing which allows any iPhone user the opportunity to try the new version before the general release that happens in the fall.

Apple recently rolled out a new release of the iOS public beta version 4. Safari saw some of the biggest changes ever in iOS 15 with a redesigned tab bar that some found worrisome. The most notable switch is that the bar had dropped from the top of the screen to the bottom. This isn’t an arbitrary visual update, but rather a usability-driven change. For one-handed use, the tab bar is much more reachable with a thumb when it’s placed low. This remains the same and the innovative tab groups are also intact in the latest update. However, some controls that were hidden behind a menu option have been surfaced, which should be a welcome change for all.

More Accessible Share, Reader & Reload

With the latest iOS 15 beta 4, Apple resolved a problem with the tab bar controls being placed behind a menu. Now a lock for secure websites shows to the left within the Smart Search field and a Reader mode icon is visible at the right. The Reader icon changes to a reload button after scrolling down a bit, allowing two buttons in the space of one. The control to show tabs is at the bottom on the far right and just to its left, the Share icon has returned. Many will be sighing with relief hearing that, since it was awkward for Apple to require two taps to reach this commonly used control with earlier betas. However, that is the value of beta testing. Apple has an excellent design sense but sometimes misses the mark of perfection. That’s when feedback can make a difference and it certainly has with this latest version of Safari.

There is one hidden feature that still might be troublesome for users. Unfortunately, it isn’t apparent how to access bookmarks although they can be opened quickly by pressing and holding the Smart Search field, which opens a menu showing options to add to bookmarks, show bookmarks, as well as a way to add to the Reading list. It wouldn’t be surprising if a fifth beta makes bookmarks more obvious. Naturally, beta software isn’t appropriate for everyone. Sometimes things break, battery life is often lower, and unexpected glitches can happen. For those eager enough and comfortable with change, it is a great opportunity to shape the future of iOS by testing and sharing feedback. The recent changes to Safari provide an excellent example of Apple’s ability to adapt its design when needed.