Safari is a web browser developed by Apple that is known for its fast performance, elegant design, and privacy features. Safari is the default browser on all Apple devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads. But what if you want to use Safari on a Windows PC?
In this article, we will explore the history of Safari for Windows, the reasons why Apple discontinued it, and the possible ways to install and run it on Windows 10 or Windows 11. We will also discuss the pros and cons of using Safari for Windows, and some alternatives that you may want to consider.
The history of Safari on Windows
Safari was first introduced in 2003 as part of Mac OS X Panther, and it was based on the open-source WebKit engine. Safari quickly became one of the most popular browsers on the Mac, and it was also ported to iOS devices when the iPhone was launched in 2007.
In the same year, Apple announced Safari for Windows, a version of the browser that was compatible with Windows XP and Vista. Steve Jobs, the then-CEO of Apple, claimed that Safari for Windows was faster and more secure than other browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Firefox. Safari for Windows was also intended to attract more developers to create web applications for the iPhone, which did not support Adobe Flash at the time.
Apple continued to update Safari for Windows along with the Mac version, adding features such as a reader mode, extensions, and developer tools. However, Safari for Windows never gained much traction among Windows users, who preferred other browsers that had more market share and compatibility. According to StatCounter, Safari for Windows had less than 1% of the global browser market share in 2012.
The last version of Safari for Windows was 5.1.7, released in May 2012. Apple did not release Safari 6 for Windows, which was launched for Mac OS X Mountain Lion in July 2012. Apple also quietly removed the download links for Safari for Windows from its website, effectively ending the support and development of the browser for the Windows platform.
The reasons why Apple discontinued Safari for Windows
Apple never officially explained why it stopped making Safari for Windows, but there are several possible reasons. One reason is that Safari for Windows was not very profitable for Apple, as it did not generate any revenue from advertising or services, unlike Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Apple also did not have a strong incentive to promote its browser on Windows, as it did not have any other products or services that could benefit from it, unlike Google or Microsoft.
Another reason is that Safari for Windows was not very popular among Windows users, as it faced stiff competition from other browsers that had more features, extensions, and compatibility. Safari for Windows also had some technical issues, such as security vulnerabilities, performance problems, and a user interface that did not match the Windows design. Safari for Windows also did not support some web standards and technologies that were widely used by other browsers, such as HTML5 video, WebGL, and WebRTC.
A third reason is that Safari for Windows was not very important for Apple’s strategy, as it focused more on its own platforms and devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Apple also invested more in developing its own web technologies and innovations, such as Intelligent Tracking Prevention, Safari App Extensions, and Web Inspector. Apple also wanted to differentiate its browser from other browsers that were based on the Chromium engine, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
The possible ways to install and run Safari on Windows 10 or Windows 11
If you still want to use Safari on Windows 10 or Windows 11, there are some possible ways to do so, but they are not recommended or supported by Apple. Here are some of them:
Download and install Safari 5.1.7 for Windows from a third-party website
This is the easiest and most straightforward way to get Safari for Windows, but it is also the most risky and unreliable. Safari 5.1.7 for Windows is an outdated and unsupported browser that may have security flaws, compatibility issues, and performance problems. It may also not work properly on Windows 10 or Windows 11, as it was designed for Windows XP and Vista. You may also encounter some malware or viruses when downloading the installer from an untrusted source. Therefore, we do not recommend this method, and if you decide to try it, do so at your own risk and discretion.
Install and run Safari for Windows using a virtual machine software
This is a more complex and resource-intensive way to get Safari for Windows, but it may offer a better and safer experience. A virtual machine software, such as VirtualBox or VMware, allows you to create and run a virtual computer within your Windows PC, where you can install and run another operating system, such as macOS or Windows XP.
You can then download and install Safari for Windows on the virtual computer, and use it as if you were using a real Mac or Windows XP PC. However, this method requires a lot of disk space, memory, and CPU power, and it may affect the performance and battery life of your Windows PC. You also need to have a valid license and installation media for the operating system that you want to run on the virtual machine. Moreover, you still need to deal with the limitations and drawbacks of Safari for Windows, such as the lack of updates and features.
Install and run the latest version of Safari using a virtual machine software
This is the most advanced and expensive way to get Safari for Windows, but it may offer the best and most up-to-date experience. This method involves installing and running the latest version of macOS on a virtual machine on your Windows PC, and then using the latest version of Safari that is available for macOS. iboysoft has a great guide that will provide you step by step instructions.
This way, you can enjoy all the features and benefits of Safari, such as the fast performance, elegant design, and privacy protections.
Depending on if you are willing or not willing to sail to the seven seas, You also need to have a compatible Mac computer that can run the latest version of macOS, and a valid Apple ID that can access the Mac App Store.
You need to note that Apple does not allow installing macOS on non-Apple hardware, and it may violate the terms and conditions of the software license agreement, so keep thatn in mind before you go hunting for an ISO.
Why you may want to install Safari on Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC?
I will say this again: installing Safari on Windows 10 or Windows 11 is not a good idea (will be discussing why not in just a minute) but there are some legit reasons you may want to run Safari on your Windows PC:
- You can test and debug your web applications and websites on Safari, which may be useful for web developers and designers who want to ensure cross-browser compatibility and functionality.
- You can sync your bookmarks, history, passwords, and tabs with your other Apple devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads, if you use iCloud and sign in with your Apple ID.
- You can experience the look and feel of Safari, which may be appealing to some users who like the minimalist and elegant design of the browser.
- You can use some of the features and innovations that are unique to Safari, such as the reader mode, the Safari App Extensions, and the Web Inspector.
And before you go ahead and install a virtual machine in your PC or install an unsupported version on your computer, please understand that:
- You may expose yourself to security risks and threats, as Safari for Windows is an outdated and unsupported browser that may have unpatched vulnerabilities and bugs.
- You may encounter compatibility issues and errors, as Safari for Windows may not support some web standards and technologies that are widely used by other browsers and websites.
- You may experience performance problems and crashes, as Safari for Windows may not run smoothly or efficiently on Windows 10 or Windows 11, especially on newer hardware and software configurations.
- You may miss out on many features and improvements that are available on the latest version of Safari, such as the Intelligent Tracking Prevention, the customisable start page, and the tab groups.
The alternatives to Safari for Windows
If you are looking for a web browser that can offer a similar or better experience than Safari for Windows, you may want to consider some of the alternatives that are available for Windows 10 or Windows 11. Here are some of them:
- Microsoft Edge: This is the default and recommended browser for Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it is based on the Chromium engine, which powers Google Chrome and other browsers. Edge offers a fast and secure browsing experience, with features such as Collections, Vertical Tabs, Immersive Reader, and Password Monitor. Edge also supports extensions from the Microsoft Store and the Chrome Web Store, and it can sync your data with your Microsoft account and other devices. Edge also has a built-in tracking prevention feature, which can block trackers and ads from websites, and a Kids Mode, which can provide a safe and fun browsing environment for children.
- Google Chrome: This is the most popular and widely used browser in the world, and it is also based on the Chromium engine. Chrome offers a reliable and versatile browsing experience, with features such as Google Translate, Chrome Remote Desktop, and Chrome OS. Chrome also supports thousands of extensions from the Chrome Web Store, and it can sync your data with your Google account and other devices. Chrome also has a built-in malware and phishing protection feature, which can warn you of dangerous websites and downloads, and a Incognito Mode, which can prevent your browsing history and cookies from being saved.
- Mozilla Firefox: This is one of the oldest and most respected browsers in the world, and it is based on the Gecko engine, which is developed by Mozilla. Firefox offers a fast and private browsing experience, with features such as Firefox Monitor, Firefox Send, and Firefox Lockwise. Firefox also supports extensions from the Firefox Add-ons Store, and it can sync your data with your Firefox account and other devices. Firefox also has a built-in Enhanced Tracking Protection feature, which can block trackers, ads, and fingerprinters from websites, and a Private Browsing Mode, which can erase your browsing history and cookies after you close the window.
- Opera: This is a browser that is known for its innovative and unique features, and it is also based on the Chromium engine. Opera offers a smooth and convenient browsing experience, with features such as Opera Turbo, Opera Flow, and Opera GX. Opera also supports extensions from the Opera Add-ons Store and the Chrome Web Store, and it can sync your data with your Opera account and other devices. Opera also has a built-in ad blocker and VPN feature, which can block ads and trackers from websites, and hide your IP address and location from prying eyes, and a Snapshot Mode, which can capture and edit screenshots of web pages.
The conclusion
Safari for Windows was a web browser that was developed by Apple and released in 2007, but it was discontinued in 2012. Safari for Windows was not very successful or popular among Windows users, as it faced many challenges and limitations, such as security risks, compatibility issues, and performance problems. Safari for Windows was also not very relevant or important for Apple’s strategy, as it focused more on its own platforms and devices, and its own web technologies and innovations.
If you want to use Safari on Windows 10 or Windows 11, there are some possible ways to do so, but they are not recommended or supported by Apple.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to install Safari on Windows 10 or Windows 11, and what are the pros and cons of using it. Thank you for reading, and happy browsing!
