How to Revert Safari’s New Look in iOS 26

What Changed in Safari

The iOS 26 Safari redesign includes:

• Address bar moved to bottom: The URL bar now sits at the screen’s base for easier one-handed reach
• New tab management: Tabs appear as floating cards in a redesigned switcher
• Liquid Glass effects: Rounded, translucent interface elements throughout
• Gesture changes: Swipe patterns for switching tabs have been modified

These changes aim for a more immersive, content-forward browsing experience but can disrupt years of muscle memory for longtime users.

Quick Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down and tap Safari
3. Find the Tabs section
4. Select Single Tab
5. Done — the change is instant

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open the Settings App

From your Home Screen, tap the gray gear icon labeled Settings. This is iOS’s central hub for all system and app configurations.

Can’t find Settings? Swipe down from the middle of your home screen and type “Settings” in the search bar.

Step 2: Navigate to Safari Settings

In the Settings app, scroll down past these sections:

• Apple ID (your name at the top)
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Notifications
• Screen Time

Continue scrolling until you reach Apple’s native apps section. These are listed alphabetically. Tap Safari.

Pro tip: Instead of scrolling, you can pull down slightly in Settings to reveal a search bar. Type “Safari” to jump directly to it.

Step 3: Locate the Tabs Section

Within the Safari settings screen, look for a section labeled Tabs (or possibly Layout depending on your iOS 26 version).

This section appears near the top of the Safari settings page and includes visual previews of both layout options:

• Tab Bar: Shows the new bottom-oriented design with floating tabs
• Single Tab: Shows the classic top address bar layout

The visual representations make it clear which layout you’re selecting.

Step 4: Select “Single Tab”

Tap the Single Tab option. The layout with the address bar at the top of the screen.

The change is instant:

• No need to restart your iPhone
• No need to force-quit Safari
• No waiting period

Simply tap your selection, and Safari’s configuration updates immediately across the system.

Step 5: Verify the Change

Open Safari to confirm:

1. The address bar is back at the top of the screen
2. Tabs appear as separate buttons in the tab bar
3. The tab switcher uses the familiar grid layout
4. Swipe gestures match the pre-iOS 26 behavior

Switching Back to the New Design

If you want to try the new Tab Bar layout again later:

1. Return to Settings → Safari → Tabs
2. Select Tab Bar instead of Single Tab
3. The change applies immediately

This flexibility lets you experiment with both layouts without commitment. You can switch as many times as you want.

Additional Safari Customization Options

While you’re in Safari settings, consider adjusting these related options:

Search Engine: Change your default from Google to DuckDuckGo, Bing, or Yahoo

Tab Groups: Enable or disable this feature for organizing multiple browsing sessions

Privacy settings: Configure tracking prevention and private browsing defaults

AutoFill: Manage saved passwords and payment information

For comprehensive customization guidance, consult Apple’s official documentation on customizing Safari and the general iPhone settings guide.

Troubleshooting

Don’t see the Tabs section?

• Verify you’re running iOS 26 (Settings → General → About)
• Restart your iPhone and check again
• The option might be labeled “Layout” instead of “Tabs”

Change didn’t apply?

• Force-quit Safari by swiping up from the bottom and flicking the Safari preview away
• Reopen Safari to see if the layout updated
• If still not working, restart your iPhone

Want the old tab switcher gesture?

• The Single Tab layout restores most classic gestures
• Some gesture changes in iOS 26 are system-wide and can’t be reverted

Should You Switch Back?

Consider sticking with the new Tab Bar if:

• You use your iPhone one-handed frequently
• You browse with many tabs open simultaneously
• You like the Liquid Glass aesthetic
• You’re willing to adapt to new gestures

Consider reverting to Single Tab if:

• You’ve used Safari for years and rely on muscle memory
• The bottom bar interferes with content on specific websites
• You prefer consistent UI across iOS versions
• The new tab management feels less efficient for your workflow

Key Takeaways

• Safari’s layout toggle is in Settings → Safari → Tabs
• Select Single Tab to restore the classic top address bar
• The change applies instantly with no restart needed
• You can switch between layouts freely at any time
• This is a rare example of Apple providing a design fallback option

By taking control of Safari’s layout, you can use iOS 26 in a way that feels efficient and intuitive for your specific browsing habits—whether that means embracing the new design or sticking with the familiar classic interface.