Safari is preinstalled on Mac and iPhone. On Mac, Safari updates come with macOS updates, accessible via System Preferences > Software Update. On iPhone, Safari updates are bundled with iOS updates, accessible in Settings > General > Software Update. Ensuring the latest updates enhances security and performance.
Safari is Apple’s proprietary web browser. It offers a range of features, including privacy protection, power efficiency, and seamless integration across Apple devices.
If you do not know, then let me tell you that Safari is not a standalone app that can be downloaded or installed from App Store like any other app. It’s a system app and part of Apple’s core operating system for both macOS and iOS or iPadOS.
Hence, you must update the device’s software using the Software Update program to download the latest version or update Safari.
The guide provides step-by-step instructions on updating Safari to the latest version on different platforms.
On this page, you can find and jump to:
Download and Update Safari on macOS
Safari comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, including Mac computers. Therefore, downloading Safari isn’t necessary and is not even possible. However, updating Safari to its latest version is crucial for a secure and smooth browsing experience.
Since it’s part of the System Update, you must visit the System settings menu to open the Software Update window for upgrading the Safari browser.
Update Safari on macOS Ventura and Later
There have been some changes in System Setting UI after the macOS Ventura update, and follow steps can help you to update Safari on Mac. For macOS earlier than Ventura, you can skip to the next section.
- Click the Apple
menu and select System Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Switch to the General tab in the left pane, and select the Software Update option.
The program will check for software updates if any are available. - Click on the More Info.
- Select the Safari updates, if any are available, and hit the button.
The Software Update will start downloading and automatically install the Safari app of the latest version on the system.
Update Safari in macOS Monterey and earlier
If you’re running on the macOS Monterey and earlier versions on your Mac computer, the above step won’t work. Significant UI changes to the System Settings window have occurred after the macOS Monterey update. You can follow these steps for downloading Safari app and updating to the latest version:
- Open System Preferences under the Apple menu.
It will open the System Preferences window. - Select the Software Update program from the list.
It will open the Software Update window and start checking for updates. - Click on the More info… link.
- Select the checkbox to download Safari browser updates.
- Hit the command button.
The Safari download will begin and automatically finish the update installation.
After finishing the update via the Software Update window, you can check the Safari version to validate and know the version and build number.
Download and Update Safari on iPhone or iPad
On iPhone and iPad, Safari comes pre-installed and is updated through system updates. Here’s how you can ensure you’re running the latest version.
Update Safari on iPhone or iPad
Regularly updating your apps and system software provides the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes. Safari is part of the system tools on your device. Hence you need to upgrade your iPhone or iPad operating system to enjoy the latest Safari browser.
Here’s how to update Safari on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings on your phone, and head on to the General section.
- Select Software Update to open the screen.
The device will automatically start looking for updates. - Tap the button.
The update will download and install Safari on your device. After downloading the Software update, you can check the Safari browser version corresponding to the System version under the About section.
It is recommended to Turn On the Automatic Updates option on the Software Update page.
Download and Update Safari for Windows
Safari for Windows is no longer maintained as Apple discontinued the support in 2012 during Windows 7 version period.
The last version of Safari for Windows PC was Safari 5, and it lacks the latest features and security updates found in more recent versions. Therefore, using up-to-date browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox on Windows is recommended.
The last 2012 Safari executable file might not be compatible with the latest Windows 11 version operating system. Hence there is no point in downloading and installing it. However, if you want to give it a try, then you can download the file.
Bottom Line
As the default browser for Apple devices, Safari offers smooth integration and efficient power usage, making it an excellent choice for browsing. Although you can’t download Safari as it comes pre-installed, keeping it updated for the best performance, latest features, and improved security is crucial.
By ensuring your system software is always up-to-date, you also ensure that Safari is equipped with the latest features and required protections.
We have mentioned all the steps you need to follow for the update. However, it might differ if you have got the operating system running on your older variant of Mac and iPhone or iPad device. If that’s the case, you should consider upgrading the device catalog.
If anything goes wrong with the latest version, then you can consider downgrading Safari to an earlier version using Time Machine backup on macOS.
Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.
