Apple’s iOS 26 adds a simple way to choose how Safari displays tabs. You can now pick between three tab styles:
- Compact — compact tab layout with the address bar at the bottom (default for some users).
- Bottom — a full-width toolbar at the bottom.
- Classic (Top) — the traditional tab bar at the top of the screen.
To switch layouts: open Settings > Safari > Tabs and select Compact, Bottom or Top (Classic). This lets you revert to the classic top tab layout if you prefer the old design.
Why this matters: the change gives users a quick way to choose the UI that feels best for one-handed use or for a more familiar desktop-like layout.
Sources and further reading:
- 9to5Mac: iOS 26 Safari tab layouts
- Mac Observer: Customize Safari tabs in iOS 26
- Apple Support: Change the layout on iPhone
Which layout will you pick? Let us know in the comments.