Safari gets translation and support for WebExtensions APIap

Apple will provide its Safari browser with a major update with the introduction of macOS 11 Big Sur. WebExtensions API support is coming, so developers can bring existing extensions to Safari. Apple also builds in a translation function.

Apple emphasizes privacy with the arrival of more extensions to Safari. According to the company, the external additions can pose a risk and users can, for example, indicate that an extension can only be active for one day, or on a certain site.

With Safari getting support for the WebExtensions API, developers can easily port their existing extensions for other browsers. Firefox, among others, uses that api. Apple will offer the Safari extensions through its Mac App Store.

The new version of Safari will be released later this year along with macOS 11 Big Sur. Apple claims that the new browser is faster and that frequently visited websites load 50 percent faster than in Chrome. The design of tabs is also being adjusted. They now show more information, including a favicon. When users hover over a tab, a preview of the content is displayed.

Safari also gets a customizable home page and a built-in translation feature. The latter works with seven languages. Safari’s announcements coincide with the launch of macOS 11 Big Sur. That version of the operating system will receive a major design update and will include a Control Center, which is similar to that of the iPad OS. The new macOS version works on Macs with ARM chips as well as Intel processors.

macOS Big Sur with renewed Safari browser