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| macOS Tahoe 26.4 brings back compact view in Safari. |
It’s the classic tech industry tug-of-war: company removes a beloved feature, users revolt, and eventually, the feature makes a comeback. The latest victory for user preference comes straight from Cupertino, as Apple has quietly answered the prayers of Safari loyalists.
With the launch of macOS Monterey back in 2021, Apple added the option for a "compact" tab layout in Safari. This innovative design allowed tabs to be bundled together with the Smart Search field in the main window pane, as opposed to sitting in a separate row right below it. The result was a cleaner look that opened up a small but meaningful amount of screen real estate for browsing.
Popular Safari feature makes a timely comeback
However, in a move that puzzled many, Apple removed this feature with the launch of macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26 in 2025. Admirers of the "compact" layout were understandably upset, taking to forums and social media to voice their frustration. It was a classic case of "if it isn't broke, don't fix it"—and it appears that Apple has finally heard their cry.
According to a report from MacRumors, in the latest macOS 26.4 Beta released to developers, the "compact" option for the tab layout in Safari has officially made a comeback. The setting, which lets users choose between the unified "Compact" bar and the "Separate" bar, is now live for testing. Moreover, iPadOS 26.4 has also regained the feature in the Safari settings, much to the delight of tablet users who prefer the space-saving design.
It is not clear why the feature was removed in the first place, since there are plenty of users who adored it. Apple rarely explains these interface overhauls, but the sheer volume of feedback—evident in the jubilant comments on the MacRumors forums—suggests the company realized its misstep.
Regardless, Apple's decision to bring it back will definitely be welcomed by those affected. However, those eager to reclaim those few extra pixels will have to wait just a bit longer. Both macOS and iPadOS 26.4 are currently in beta, and public-ready versions are not expected until later this month or early March.
What’s Next for Apple Hardware?
The timing of this software update is particularly interesting. Apple has already announced a special event for March 4, which is when we expect the debut of new MacBook Pros powered by the next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, alongside new iPads, a rumored budget MacBook, and various Home accessories. Both macOS and iPadOS 26.4 are likely to arrive just prior to these hardware launches, ensuring the new devices launch with the most user-friendly version of the OS.
Speaking of new hardware, if you're considering an upgrade, you can still snag a deal on the previous generation. For instance, you can buy a 13-inch M5 MacBook Pro on Amazon (currently $1,449), which offers a fantastic balance of power and portability.
The compact view in Safari has been around since macOS Monterey. Its resurrection in Tahoe proves that in the world of tech, user voices—when loud enough—can still change the tide. Now, the question remains: what other classic features might Apple revive next?
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| The compact view in Safari has been around since macOS Monterey. |