The Evolution of Safari: From Laggard to Competitor
For years, Apple’s Safari browser has been criticized for its slow pace of innovation and lack of support for modern web technologies. The situation became so dire that some developers began calling it the “new Internet Explorer,” a label that evokes memories of the outdated and notoriously difficult-to-use browser from Microsoft.
A Wake-Up Call for Apple
The criticism seemed to catch Apple off guard, with evangelist Jen Simmons taking to Twitter to ask developers to provide specific examples of bugs and missing features that were frustrating them. The response was overwhelming, with many pointing out Safari’s limited support for progressive web apps (PWAs), lack of push notifications, and poor scrolling performance.
Safari 15.4: A Major Update
In response to the criticism, Apple released Safari 15.4, which includes over 70 new features and improvements. The update addresses many of the concerns raised by developers, including the addition of lazy loading images, improved PWA support, and smooth scrolling. The update also includes experimental support for push notifications, although this feature is still not fully implemented.
Catching Up with Chrome
While Safari 15.4 is a significant improvement, it still lags behind Google’s Chrome browser in terms of features and market share. Chrome dominates the browser market, with over 60% of global market share on both desktop and mobile devices. This dominance gives Google significant influence over web development standards and protocols, which can make it difficult for other browsers to compete.
The Need for Competition
Despite the challenges, Apple’s efforts to improve Safari are essential for promoting competition and innovation in the browser market. Without viable alternatives to Chrome, web development may become too focused on a single browser, leading to stagnation and a lack of innovation. By investing in Safari and making it a more competitive browser, Apple can help drive innovation and ensure that the web remains a vibrant and diverse ecosystem.
What’s Next for Safari?
To continue improving Safari, Apple needs to focus on providing a clear roadmap for future updates and improving its update cycle. The company should also prioritize implementing features that are still missing, such as full support for push notifications and profiles. By doing so, Apple can make Safari a more attractive option for developers and users, and help promote a more competitive and innovative browser market.