How to install and use Safari extensions in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

Safari extensions in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15: Apple is allowing third-party Safari extensions to iPhone and iPad for the first time. Although browser extensions can save energy, time, and some cases money, this feature has limited support on the iPhone. But Apple is changing things with the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

So in this article, I’ll be explaining how you can install and use the Safari extensions on the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 – iPhone and iPad Safari.

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Below is what you’ll get to know from this post:

• The new things with Safari extensions on iOS 15
• How you can install Safari extensions in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
• Adding Safari extensions on iPhone running iOS 14
• Using Safari extensions in iOS 15 and iOS 14

The new things with Safari extensions on iOS 15

There are many great Safari extensions for iPhone and integrating them sometimes differ from Mac’s Safari.

See Also: iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 will be coming to these iPhones and iPads

With iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, developers can now create a single extension that’ll work on Mac, iPhone, and iPad – kind of universal extensions. Also, these Webextennsion API’s uses a cross-platform technology. Simply put, these Safari extensions can work in other browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

The universal extensions will be added soon. But for now. Below is a quick guide on using the existing Safari extensions. Basically there are two types of extensions: one you have to access from the Share Sheet manually and the other runs in the background. Let’s talk about both.

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How to install Safari extensions in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Safari.
3. Scroll down to General and select Extensions.
4. Click More Extensions to view available extensions on the App Store.
5. Search and download web extensions on your device.
6. After the above, go back to Settings → Safari → Extensions → toggle on the app or settings. To disable/turn off an extension, toggle the switch next to the extension, then tap Done.

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How to Add Safari extensions on iPhone running iOS 14

1. Get the extensions you need from the iOS App Store.
2. Go to Settings and select Safari.
3. Scroll down to General and click Content Blockers.
4. Toggle on the extensions you want to enable.

For those using the iOS 15 developer beta, Apple has simply renamed Content Blockers heading to Extensions.

See Also: Apple adding more Privacy to Mail and Safari, includes Privacy Report

So limited apps are part of the feature. But more options are expected to come as developers start making use of the new extension APIs.

How to use Safari extensions in iOS 15 and iOS 14

1. Go to Safari and open any website.
2. In iOS 15, tap the three-dot icon and select Share.
3. In iOS 14, tap the Share icon.
   The following steps may vary depend on the extension/app you are using.
4. If you see a related option in the Share Sheet, tap it (like Save to Pinterest).
5. If you don’t see option from step 4 above, then locate the app from the App Bar and click it to run the extension.

For those who can’t find the app, click the three-dot icon to get a list of available apps.

See Also: iPhone Users complains that iOS 14.6 Overheats and Drains Battery

Truth is, extensions has a way of enhancing your browser experience. In fact, the extensive extension library available in Google Chrome is why its number one in the world while Safari is second. But, with Safari bringing extensions, let’s see if this helps it level up to Chrome.

I hope this simple guide helped you learn how to install and use Safari extensions on your iPhone and iPad using iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

If you have any contributions or queries, please use the comment section below to share with me.