Apple Safari 18 Browser AI Features Revealed: Smart Search, Web Eraser, and More

Introduction

Apple Inc. is testing an upgraded version of the Safari browser that will bring a host of exciting new features, including interface optimization, advanced content blocking capabilities, and an artificial intelligence-powered "Smart Search" tool. These features are expected to be officially released in 2024 as Safari 18, alongside updates to iOS 18 and macOS 15.

Interface Optimization and New Features

The new user interface of Safari 18 will allow users to customize frequently used page control features, offering a completely new page control menu toggle that integrates all the tools from the old and new versions, and provides quick access points.

Smart Search Feature

The "Smart Search" feature in Safari 18 is a new tool powered by artificial intelligence, utilizing Apple's device-side AI technology, especially the Ajax language learning model, to identify themes and keywords on web pages and summarize content. Users need to manually activate this feature from the page control menu, and once enabled, it will help users quickly find key information on web pages.

Web Eraser Feature

The "Web Eraser" is another innovative feature in Safari 18 that allows users to remove or erase specific parts of a web page, such as banner advertisements, images, text, or even entire sections of a page. This feature builds upon Safari's existing privacy protection capabilities, offering a new way to customize the user's browsing experience.

Visual Search Feature

Apple is also developing a more powerful visual search feature, planned to be integrated in 2025. This feature will allow users to obtain information about consumer products while browsing images, similar to Siri's "Visual Look-up" feature, which can identify plants, pets, and landmarks in photos.

Feature Release and Future Prospects

Although not all features may ultimately be released, Apple is expected to announce several AI-related enhancements for iOS 18 and macOS 15 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10th. The addition of these new features will undoubtedly further enhance the user experience of the Safari browser and promote the application of artificial intelligence technology in the field of web browsers.

Conclusion

With the upcoming arrival of Safari 18, we look forward to these new features bringing a more intelligent and personalized browsing experience to users. Apple's continuous innovation in browser technology heralds a transformation in the way we browse the internet in the future, so let's wait and see.