iOS 26: Restore Safari's Old Layout From iOS 18

[MacRumors]

Missing the familiar Safari design from iOS 18? In iOS 26, currently in beta, Apple has learned from past criticism and made it easy to ditch the new Compact layout in favor of the classic tab layouts you may well prefer.

iOS 26 introduces a new "Compact" Safari design as the default, but Apple has included two additional layout options that essentially restore the iOS 18 experience. Here's how to get your old Safari back in just a few taps.

How to Switch to the iOS 18 Layouts

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps, then locate and tap Safari in the alphabetical list.
3. Scroll down to the "Tabs" section.
4. Select either Bottom or Top instead of Compact.

Both the Bottom and Top options function exactly like the Safari tab bar layouts from iOS 18, so you don't need to relearn how to navigate between tabs or access your bookmarks.

What's the Difference?

• Compact Layout (Default): Hides the share, bookmark, and tab settings behind a three-dot button on the right side of the URL bar. It saves screen space but requires an extra tap to access frequently used features.
• Bottom Layout: Places all Safari controls at the bottom of the screen, making them easily reachable with your thumb during one-handed use.
• Top Layout: Keeps the traditional desktop-style layout with controls at the top of the browser.

iOS 26's three Tab options from left to right: Bottom, Compact, Top​

All three options now feature Apple's new Liquid Glass translucent design that blends the URL bar and buttons into the background of whatever webpage you're viewing. The translucent effect works in both Light and Dark Mode, and auto-adapts to match the webpage's color scheme.

Apple Learned From Its Mistake

This isn't the first time Apple has rethought Safari's design after user feedback. During iOS 15's beta testing, Apple initially changed Safari's design without providing layout alternatives and received full-throated negative feedback in return. It ultimately added options to revert to the original design. This time, Apple has gotten ahead of potential complaints by building choice directly into iOS 26, which will see a general release in September 2025.

Article Link: iOS 26: Restore Safari's Old Layout From iOS 18

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

Having issues with AdGuard and the bottom scroll bar moving up the screen

 

[goonie4life9]

Wow, what incredible options the tiny startup that could, Apple, provides. Alongside the transformative, ALL NEW Liquid Glass design, Apple has introduced game-changing customization to the best-in-class Safari. iOS 26 takes iPhone to a whole new level. Apple can't wait to see the incredible things customers are able to do. Apple thinks you're gonna love it. Stay tuned for exciting updates!

 

[Digital Dude]

As a former beta fanatic, I gave all that up years ago when iOS betas were so rough around the edges that I lost interest in the whole process. Now days, I just visit this forum to see what kind of buffoonery Apple is up to. In this particular case, I’m glad to see they’re finally listening to consumers. 😏

 

[dannyyankou]

I like the compact design, but I think they have enough room to squeeze in a history button next to the bookmarks button after you press the three dots.

 

[JosephAW]

Remember this is a beta so they may walk it back walking it back

 

[CharlesShaw]

Since I rarely ever use the web on my iPhone, it's nice to keep the familiar layout when I'm on a busy sidewalk trying to look up something in Safari for the first time since last year.

 

[MallardDuck]

Thankful they did this...the bottom layout is just annoying, and the compact would be massively frustrating.

 

[california_kid]

I just want to know which layout doesn't drain my battery by 1% every minute just reading MacRumors content.

 

[ForkHandles]

Gotta say, the new design is much cleaner. Everything gets out of your way.

I’m not too sure how those who must have the address bar at the top manage, for me everything is within access of my thumb.

Good work.

 

[transpo1]

Thank you, Apple, for giving us a choice in this matter. Now give us the choice to fully revert Photos to the iOS17 layout.

Again, thank you.

 

[MDTyKe]

Hopefully they'll still learn from their mistakes and give us an option to properly scale or turn off Glass.

 

[svish]

Good to see that users are given an option to choose from. I prefer the top version, however don't mind the compact version too.

 

[ghostface147]

Compact just requires one more step to close tabs, so I'd just rather be a bottom. what?

 

[n-evo]

I’m really bummed out by the fact Safari for Mac doesn’t have a compact option anymore.

 

[Eric_WVGG]

I gotta check and see if we have options in iPadOS cuz so far this is nooooooot gooooooood

 

[dustin_]

compact works great once you learn the various swipe gestures necessary to navigate

 

[ghostface147]

compact works great once you learn the various swipe gestures necessary to navigate

I liked it, but is there a quick swipe for closing tabs?

 

[almondwine]

Gotta say, the new design is much cleaner. Everything gets out of your way.

I’m not too sure how those who must have the address bar at the top manage, for me everything is within access of my thumb.

Good work.

Unless you’re talking safari on macOS, in which Apple’s gotta make tabs and a taller URL bar get *in* your way.

 

[almondwine]

I’m really bummed out by the fact Safari for Mac doesn’t have a compact option anymore.

Or iPadOS.

 

[Populus]

I’m really bummed out by the fact Safari for Mac doesn’t have a compact option anymore.

Or iPadOS.

yeah, I feel like we’re in the minority here, but I’d like to ask Apple to restore back the compact bar. Do you want to open a common feedback to make ourselves be listened?

 

[macduke]

Is there an option to not making it floating? Because the floating nature actually makes it take up a lot more space now when using the bottom option, while unnecessarily squeezing everything tighter.

 

[JDHiro]

compact works great once you learn the various swipe gestures necessary to navigate

Is there a gesture to bring up the tabs?

I don't mind the new look, but it absolutely kills me that it's 2 clicks to open tabs now.

Edit: I found it! You just swipe up on the address bar. That's actually pretty slick...

 

[MisterMillz]

Deleted

 

[Performa87]

Is there any way to disable Liquid Ass altogether?