The introduction of the Liquid Glass design temporarily forced us to do without the compact view of the tab bar in Safari. However, with the arrival of macOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, this view is available again in Apple’s browser.
The new compact view in Safari combines the address bar and tabs into a single bar. This provides more space for web pages without users having to navigate complex settings. This is especially useful on an iPad or a MacBook with a smaller screen, but also when viewing web pages in a small window or on a second screen.
Compact tab bar in Safari
The compact tab bar, which was already present in previous versions of macOS and iPadOS, is now also back in the latest version of Safari. This layout is practical because the address bar and tabs are combined into a single bar. This creates more screen space, which is especially useful on an iPad or small MacBook screen, but also when working with a small window or a second screen.
This consolidation frees up space for the web page itself, while still giving you quick access to key features like the address bar, active tab, and open new tab button, without the need for additional bars.
The disadvantage is that in the compact layout the tab names are smaller and less clear, so you have to look at the tab overview more often to find the right tab. Users who prefer the separate tab bar will prefer that version’s full visibility and wider buttons. This also works better on larger screens.
Enable compact tab bar
- Open Settings on your iPad
- Go to ‘Apps’
- Tap ‘Safari’
- Then make a selection under ‘Tabs’
On a Mac you can find this setting at Safari â–¸ Menu bar â–¸ Safari â–¸ Settings â–¸ Tabs â–¸ Tab layout.
Separate tab bar: The address bar and tab bar are separated from each other and appear one below the other. There is also more room for buttons so you can quickly navigate within Safari.
Compact tab bar: This view combines address bar, active tabs, and tab buttons into one row. This creates more screen space.
Compact view in Safari for iPhone
Since the introduction of Liquid Design, Apple has equipped the iPhone version of Safari with an extremely compact display. As on the Mac and iPad, all buttons are grouped together behind a new menu button, leaving the screen almost entirely devoted to web pages.
Additional buttons only appear when you tap them, giving Safari an even more minimalist look and more space for content. This results in a larger space in Safari, but requires more interaction from the user.