Apple has confirmed plans to introduce more advanced web extensions in the new Safari.
The browser, which has been given a makeover as part of macOS Big Sur, will now support a number of third-party web extensions, and Apple is planning to introduce new tools that will make it easier for developers to port existing extensions from browsers like Google Chrome.
Although Safari has supported web extensions for a number of years, the number offered is very small in comparison to the likes of Google Chrome and Safari.
By opening up the browser platform in macOS Big Sur, Apple hopes that more consumers will make the leap.
Speaking in one of its virtual WWDC developer sessions, the company confirmed the Safari Web Extensions service, adopting APIs similar to Chrome and Firefox to reduce the need to develop separate extensions for browsers, whether ad-blocking or useful tools and add-ons.
The current version of Safari only allows users to share extensions or content blockers, but now the Safari Web Extensions platform will allow developers to create more advanced add-ons and new technology, using languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
Developers who want to take advantage of their new freedoms should head to Xcode 12, where tools are available to port existing browser extensions directly into Safari.
Are you excited to hear that Apple is opening up Safari? Let us know your thoughts and check back soon for more news and rumors on everything Apple, as and when we get it.
