Apple has announced new updates for Safari.
Safari holds 18.85% and Chrome holds 65.76% share in the browser market.
How does Safari compete with Chrome? Read along
Apple announced major updates to its software, hardware and services lineup at WWDC 2023 including new features to the brand’s browser Safari. Moving forward the browser is expected to flaunt new features such as private browsing lock, sharing passkeys securely in groups among others.
Safari is currently the biggest browser contender to Chrome and holds over 9.5% share in the desktop browser market and 25% share in the mobile browser market. Let’s discuss the new updates by Apple and also features that help Safari in becoming Chrome’s contender.
Also read: Sorry iPhone users: These 5 new iOS 17 features were on Android first
What’s New?
At the WWDC 2023, Apple announced new updates for its Safari browser which cannot be termed path-breaking necessarily however, will enhance the privacy attributes of the browser in hindsight.
Privacy Browsing Lock: Safari now offers the feature of Privacy Browsing Lock wherein you can secure the private tabs that are open when you are not around with your password, Face ID or fingerprint. Chrome too has this feature however, it does not pan to iOS users.
Sharing Passkeys and Passwords: Using the iCloud Keychain storage passkeys can be securely shared within groups. You can create groups where members can access, alter and share passkeys and passwords with each other through end-to-end encryption. Chrome offers an iCloud Keychain system as well but there is no mention of whether you can share your passkeys.
Improved Tracking: The update provides the browser to have an improved tracking and fingerprinting protection. The browser will access Link Tracking Protection on Mail and Messages which will enable the stripping of additional information from URLs to prevent tracking.
Safari Vs Chrome
Safari and Chrome are the two consistent contenders when it comes to the mobile and desktop browser market and have dominated it for quite a long time now. Let’s discuss what Safari has to offer in comparison to the browser that holds 65.76% share of the browser market.
Blocking Third Party Cookies
Safari has always projected itself to be pro-privacy and offers the blockchain against third party cookies with ‘intelligent tracking prevention’ which makes personal details and preferences vulnerable to websites. This feature helps in keeping your data secure and safe.
Also read: Can your iPhone get the iOS 17 update? Full list of iPhone supported below
Does Not Rely On Advertising Business Model
Safari does not use an advertising business model which helps it keep the data that is being fed on websites private. However, Chrome uses these preferences to send you advertisements according to the details you have put in which breaks the guardrail for users’ privacy.
Privacy Browser Report
Unlike Chrome, Safari offers a Privacy Browsing Report where you can identify which websites are tracking you and take immediate action for the same.
Upgrades HTTP sites to HTTPS
Where Chrome alerts you that you are surfing an unsafe website, Safari on the other hand alters the website automatically to a secure website.
Password Management
Chrome’s password manager only works on the browser and cannot be used as a password manager for any third party outsources for Apple devices. However, Safari provides security from third-party sources and features a built-in iCloud Keychain with secure passkey and password exchange with end-to-end data encryption enabled.
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