iOS 15 update will make this big change in response to user complaints

iOS 15 update will make this big change in response to user complaints

Of all the changes introduced in iOS 15, I think it's safe to say that Safari's new look is the most controversial. I am one of them.

If you haven't tried the iOS 15 beta yet, let me give you the short version. Apple is making significant changes to the browser not only in iOS 15, but also in iPadOS 15 and macOS 12 Monterey. The goal is to streamline the look of Safari, which on the iPhone means moving the tab bar to the bottom of the screen.

There is some method to Apple's apparent madness, as the relocated toolbar is easier to reach when using the iPhone with only one hand, especially if you are holding a phone with a larger screen. But as iOS 15's Safari naysayers point out (awkwardly and throatily), the tab bar arrangement takes some getting used to. At times it can get in the way of browsing, and it's a pain to access.

If you have similar complaints, Apple has heard your cries and decided to do something about it. iOS 15 developer beta 6 (soon to be released as a public beta) will offer the option to move the tab bar back to the top of the screen. Even if the tab bar is kept in Apple's intended position, the design changes in the beta will still cause the bottom tab bar to appear below the page content.

This is not the first time Apple has made adjustments to Safari during the iOS beta process. In previous updates, the Share button has returned to the tab bar, making it easier to reload pages. Apple also streamlined the search interface, moving the field for entering URLs and search terms closer to the keyboard.

Some might see this as a setback for Apple-the mighty tech giant tried to make changes and users rebelled! - But this is how a beta should be. In the case of Safari, this means that users who are not comfortable with such a drastic change in the browser's appearance will be asked to revert to the previous layout, and those who are not will see a tab bar at the bottom of the screen. The idea is to have them display the tab bar at the bottom of the screen.

If you are one of those who would like to revert to the new look of iOS 15 Safari, here is how to move the tab bar to the top of the screen.

1. In Safari, tap the "Aa" button on the tab bar to bring up a list of settings.

2. Tap "Show Top Address Bar.

3. The tab bar will move to the top and everything will be back to normal. To move the tab bar back to the bottom of the screen, simply repeat these steps.

There is another way to change the position of the tab bar. This is done in the Settings application.

1. From Settings, scroll down and select Safari.

2. On the Safari Settings page, scroll down to Tab Selection and select Single Tab to give Safari a more traditional look.

The addition of the option to change the position of the tab bar addresses one of the biggest complaints people had with the iOS 15 beta.

So will I revert to the way things used to be? Not exactly. Having used iOS 15 since the first developer beta was released, I've grown accustomed to the tab bar being at the bottom of the screen. My fingers no longer immediately move to the top of the browser. And Apple is right, a streamlined tab browser is easier to operate with one hand if it is at the bottom.

Who knew? Sometimes it takes time to get used to a new feature. If it still doesn't work, there are settings available for that.

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