How to Use Safari Extensions on iPhone and iPad in iOS 15
iOS 15 brings Safari extensions to iPhone and iPad. This popular feature of Mac Safari has finally been extended to all compatible iOS and iPadOS devices. All you need to do is install the extensions from the App Store, configure them, and enable them in Settings.
What are Safari Extensions?
If you are not already using extensions for Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on your Mac, you should know that these extensions are small software programs that enhance the functionality of a web browser. They allow you to better fine tune your web browsing experience.
Most of them focus on improving your browsing experience and productivity. For example, content blockers are popular Safari extensions. They are capable of filtering ads, blocking trackers, preventing privacy banners from loading, blocking images, videos, and more.
How to Download Safari Extensions on iPhone / iPad
- Open Settings and scroll to Safari.
- Tap the new Extensions option available in the General section.
- Go for More extensions.
- the Safari Extensions App Store section opens. Browse the available extensions.
- Similar with app downloads, tap GET or the Price tag to download a free or paid Safari extension.
Advice: You can also browse the Safari Extensions by opening the App Store app and browsing the Apps tab.
How to install Safari Extensions in iOS 15
The extension is saved as an app on your iPhone or iPad. It’s available in the app library or directly on the home screen, depending on your iOS home screen settings:
- Open the app and configure extension.
- When you’re ready, look for: Settings -> Safari -> Extensions and activate extension using the ON / OFF switch.
Popular Safari Extensions for iPhone
As of this writing, there aren’t many Safari extensions to choose from. That’s because we’re in the early stages of beta testing iOS 15 and we’re talking about a new feature.
Application developers need some time to code the software. Similar to the functionality of the Home screen widgets, there will only be “a few” Safari extensions available on the day iOS 15 is released. However, I expect the list to grow. day by day.
Most likely, many popular Safari extensions on Mac will also be available on the iOS and iPadOS App Store.
Some of them that we can’t wait to see are:
- 1 Password (Popular Password Manager)
- Ghost (Ad blocker)
- Honey (Coupon finder)
- To update…
Made: iOS 15 also brings the Private Relay service to iPhone and iPad. This will make Safari extensions that focus on anti-tracking obsolete.
Are you excited for the next Safari extensions? Is there one you are already using on your Mac and would like to have it available on iPhone or iPad as well? Which? Use the comments section and share it with us.
Related: Did you know that you can translate web pages with Safari on iPhone and iPad? Here’s how to do it!