Unlock the Power of Safari Extensions with macOS Big Sur

What Are Safari Extensions?

Safari extensions are small software programs that enhance and customize your browsing experience. They provide additional functionalities that aren’t built into the browser, such as:

• Translating web pages
• Managing passwords
• Proofreading text

With Safari extensions, you can tailor your browser to fit your needs and preferences.

Bridging the Gap: Xcode 12 and Safari Web Extensions

To expand the Safari extension ecosystem, Apple is introducing Xcode 12, which allows developers to build Universal apps that support Mac with Apple Silicon without modifying any code. This means you can create Safari web extensions using:

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

and distribute them to the App Store.

Streamlining Development with Xcode 12

Xcode 12 offers a range of features that simplify the development process, including:

• Converting existing browser extensions to work with Safari
• Using the command line tool to execute commands
• Testing, building, and analyzing operations from the terminal

With Xcode 12, you can focus on creating innovative extensions that enrich the Safari experience.

Getting Started with Xcode

To begin building your Safari extension:

1. Create a project in Xcode and provide essential details such as product name, organization identifier, and organization name.
2. Choose SwiftUI as your user interface to develop for all platforms and access an interactive preview of your layout.

Managing Files and Projects in Xcode

In the main window, you can access different parts of your project from the navigator area. Use:

• The project navigator to select files you want to edit
• The inspector area to edit properties of a file or user interface element

With Xcode, you can easily manage your files and projects, and focus on creating exceptional Safari extensions.

Summary

With macOS Big Sur and Xcode 12, Apple is opening up new opportunities for developers to create innovative Safari extensions that enhance the browsing experience. By providing a seamless development process and a wider range of extensions, Apple is empowering users to complete online tasks more efficiently and effectively.