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Apple adds vertical tabs and adaptive dark mode to Safari in iOS 27.3 and macOS 27.3

Safari is gaining vertical tabs and an adaptive dark mode setting across iOS 27.3 and macOS 27.3, according to multiple technology publications.

Screenshot of a Safari browser interface displaying vertical tabs along a left sidebar and a notification banner previewing Adaptive Dark Mode.
Image: @MacObserver

Apple is introducing a vertical tabs interface and an adaptive dark mode tool to Safari in upcoming operating system updates, according to reports published by 9to5Mac and MacRumors. Coverage by 9to5Mac noted that both features are arriving in iOS 27.3 as well as macOS 27.3, bringing the browser enhancements to both mobile and desktop platforms.[2][3][5]

An interface preview shared by The Mac Observer demonstrates vertical tab icons arranged along a left sidebar in Safari. The screenshot also highlights an Adaptive Dark Mode notification explaining that the browser will apply a dark appearance to websites that do not natively offer one.[1][4]

Key facts

  • iOS 27.3 adds Vertical Tabs and Adaptive Dark Mode features to Safari, according to MacRumors and 9to5Mac.
  • macOS 27.3 also brings Vertical Tabs and Adaptive Dark Mode to Safari, per 9to5Mac.
  • Safari's Adaptive Dark Mode applies a dark appearance to websites that do not provide their own dark theme.
  • Initial reports detailing the Safari updates were published on November 3, 2026.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. TM

    The Mac Observer@MacObserverPost on X ·

    Safari's getting vertical tabs in iOS 27.3, which is great except we're now at the point where Apple version numbers have fully lost all meaning. https://t.co/qa7VpGWpwG https://t.co/JbFDpLjtDe

    Open source
  2. 9T

    9to5Mac@9to5macPost on X ·

    iOS 27.3 and macOS 27.3 add Vertical Tabs, Adaptive Dark Mode, and more to Safari https://t.co/eBJx2pMHVp by @ChanceHMiller

    Open source
  3. MC

    MacRumors.com@MacRumorsPost on X ·

    iOS 27.3 Adds Vertical Tabs and Adaptive Dark Mode to Safari https://t.co/ZpfxrH40d6 https://t.co/JRgu9FDiZq

    Open source
  4. TE

    TechRadar@techradarPost on X ·

    Safari finally gets vertical tabs — and a new way to make any site dark https://t.co/tJjU4hAAgx

    Open source
  5. GI

    Gizmodo@GizmodoPost on X ·

    Safari Is Finally Getting Power-User Features on Mac, iPad, and iPhone Duo: Vertical tabs, an adaptive dark mode, and more. https://t.co/o1S2OGDjel

    Open source