The iOS 16 final version for supporting iPhone models was released on September 12. While the default internet browser of Apple devices got the version of Safari 16.0, it also brought new features.
iOS 16 update is out! How to install iOS 16?
Passwordless login: Passkeys
The Safari browser for iOS 16 comes with support for a new alternative type of security, Passkey, which provides a similar level of protection to two-factor authentication. With Passkeys, which will come to Macs with macOS Ventura, users will no longer need a password.
AVIF support
With the Safari 16 update, support for the AVIF image format has arrived. After Google Chrome, Firefox browser, Safari for iOS also gained AVIF format support. AVIF, an image format such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, offers a number of features such as lossy and lossless compression and multiple color spaces. The most important benefit for users is that it significantly reduces bandwidth usage. This means faster browsing on web pages.
The long-standing AVIF format support in Google Chrome and Firefox browsers is finally in the Safari browser. Only AVIF files can be opened on Safari with iOS 16 for now. The Safari 16.0 update has also been released for macOS Monterey, but this support will come to Macs with macOS Ventura, which is scheduled for release in October.
macOS Ventura pre-update
- Tab Group starter pages allow you to add different background image and favorites to each tab group.
- Pinned tabs in tab groups allow you to pin your favorite websites for each tab group.
- Tabs in the sidebar let you see your open tabs in list view.
- Settings you make for specific websites are now synced across devices.
- Strong password editing allows you to set strong passwords to suit website specific needs.
Security vulnerabilities are also closed
The Safari 16 update also fixes a WebKit vulnerability that could track users via plug-ins (extensions), leading to arbitrary code execution and a misleading, fake user interface.