HISTORY OF DEV

September 2021

Safari 15 brought web extensions to iOS

iOSApple's mobile operating system — runs iPhone and iPad with a sandboxed app ecosystem. 15 and SafariApple's web browser — built on WebKit for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. 15 in September 2021 allowed WebExtensions on iPhoneApple's smartphone line — touch-first mobile computing and the App Store ecosystem since 2007. and iPadApple's tablet computer line — larger touch screens between phones and laptops. for the first time — plus Tab Groups and improved privacy reports.

What it was for

Safari (web browser)Developers could ship password managers, ad blockers, and dev tools to mobile SafariApple's web browser — built on WebKit for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. using the same WebExtensions APIs as desktop — within Apple's review rules. It reduced the gap between mobile SafariApple's web browser — built on WebKit for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. and ChromeGoogle's web browser — built on Chromium and the most widely used browser worldwide. on AndroidGoogle's open mobile operating system — the dominant platform for smartphones worldwide. for power users.

Companies

  • Apple

Why it's here

Mobile SafariApple's web browser — built on WebKit for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. extensions opened a platform that had been locked down since the App StoreApple's marketplace for iOS apps — centralized distribution and in-app purchases on iPhone. launched.

Why it mattered

iOSApple's mobile operating system — runs iPhone and iPad with a sandboxed app ecosystem. users gained browser customization without jailbreaking or switching ecosystems.

What it solved

iPhoneApple's smartphone line — touch-first mobile computing and the App Store ecosystem since 2007. browsing lacked the extension ecosystem developers and users expected on desktop.

Media

  • Safari (web browser)
    ImageSafari (web browser)

    Apple, LGPL, via Wikimedia Commons

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