Cross-browser testing makes sure that websites and online apps work well on a wide range of browsers, systems, and devices. It’s an important part of current web development because it helps writers find and fix compatibility problems that could make the user experience worse. It’s easy for Windows users to test on sites like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. But testing Safari for Windows is hard in its own way as it is only available for macOS and iOS.
Even with these problems, trying Safari for Windows is still important. Safari holds a large share of the browser market, especially among Apple users, who make up a substantial amount of global internet traffic. If you ignore this group of users, you might give them a bad experience, lose important users, and even lose money.
In this guide, we’ll talk about why testing Safari is important, the problems writers face, and the best tools and methods for testing Safari on Windows.
Why Safari Compatibility Is Essential
Safari is the most important browser in Apple’s environment. It comes with iPhones, iPads, and Macs by default. It is driven by the WebKit rendering engine, which varies from the Blink engine used by Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Opera, as well as Mozilla’s Gecko engine.
This means websites may render and act differently on Safari, leading to possible issues such as:
- Problems with CSS Compatibility: Advanced layouts or transitions may not look the same on all browsers.
- JavaScript Errors: Specific APIs or methods might not work as planned.
- Performance Inefficiencies: Safari’s strict memory management can reveal inefficiencies in code.
Neglecting Safari in testing can lead to poor experiences for people reaching your website through iPhones, iPads, or Macs. Apple users are often early adopters of new technologies and expect smooth online interactions. A broken or poorly performing website on Safari can damage company image and users trust.
Safari’s Role in Mobile Browsing
Mobile viewing makes up a large part of internet traffic, and Safari is the leading browser in the mobile market due to the widespread use of iPhones and iPads. According to current data, Safari makes up more than half of mobile browser traffic in many areas. This dominance makes mobile Safari testing important, as mobile users are often more conversion-oriented, whether shopping, connecting with content, or using web apps. Ensuring compatibility on mobile Safari can directly impact a website’s traffic, participation, and income.
The Challenges of Running Safari on Windows
Safari’s testing difficulties stem from Apple’s move to discontinue its Windows version in 2012. As a result:
- No Updated Windows Version: Safari 5.1.7, the last Windows-compatible version, lacks modern web standards and features, making it useless for current testing needs.
- Platform Lock-In: Safari is optimized for Apple devices, with features suited to macOS and iOS environments.
- Limited Testing Tools: Many web development tools focus on more widely available browsers, making Safari-specific testing more difficult.
Developers must now rely on indirect ways and third-party tools to test Safari on Windows successfully.
Methods for Testing Safari on Windows
Setting Up macOS on a Virtual Machine (VM)
Another successful way is running macOS on a virtual machine (VM) using tools like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation. Once macOS is installed, you can use Safari directly within the simulated environment.
Advantages:
- Authentic Testing Environment: Use the latest version of Safari for correct findings.
- Offline Testing: Unlike cloud platforms, virtual machines do not rely on internet connections once set up.
- Access to macOS Tools: Beyond Safari, you can use other macOS tools to improve creation and testing.
Disadvantages:
- High Resource Requirements: Virtual machines require significant system resources, such as RAM and CPU power, to run properly.
- Complex Setup: Installing macOS on a VM requires technical knowledge and can be time-consuming.
- Legal Limitations: Apple’s End User Licence Agreement (EULA) prohibits running macOS on non-Apple hardware, making this method possibly legally questionable.
For developers comfortable with complicated setups, virtual machines offer a powerful way to test Safari on Windows.
Remote Access to MacOS Devices
For rare Safari testing, getting access to macOS computers or devices is another useful option. Virtual desktop companies allow you to use macOS and Safari without having Apple devices.
Pros:
- No setup hassle: Skip the difficulties of setting up a virtual machine.
- Real Safari Access: Test directly on macOS settings using the latest Safari versions.
This choice is particularly useful for developers or teams needing temporary Safari testing capabilities.
Using Safari Emulators and Simulators
Emulators and simulators try to replicate Safari’s environment on Windows, offering a lightweight option to running the browser directly. While not perfect, they can be useful for quick checks during development.
Common Tools:
- Ripple Emulator: Useful for trying mobile browsers, including Safari on iOS.
- Microsoft Edge DevTools: Allows developers to imitate Safari by modifying user-agent strings and mimicking certain actions.
Limitations:
- Inaccuracy: Emulators do not fully mimic Safari’s WebKit rendering engine, leading to possible false positives or missed issues.
- Limited Features: Advanced testing tools, such as speed analysis or fixing, are often missing.
While handy, emulators should be used in combination with real-browser testing to ensure accuracy.
Automating Tests with Selenium ChromeDriver
Selenium is a famous tool for automating browser activities during testing. While Safari isn’t directly supported on Windows, the Selenium ChromeDriver can mimic user behaviours in a browser environment similar to Safari’s.
Why Use Selenium ChromeDriver?
- Automation: Save time by automating routine tasks such as form responses, navigation, and interactions.
- Reusable Test Scripts: Create test cases that can be changed for different computers.
- Early Issue Detection: Identify possible cross-browser compatibility problems before going to full Safari testing.
Although it cannot replace real Safari testing, Selenium Chrome Driver is a valuable addition to any cross-browser testing tools.
Cloud-Based Cross-Browser Testing Platforms
The most efficient and common option for testing Safari on Windows is using online cross-browser testing platforms. These platforms provide online access to real macOS and iOS devices running different versions of Safari.
Benefits of Cross-browser Testing Platforms:
- Access Real Devices: Test your website on real Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, ensuring accurate findings.
- Ease of Use: These systems are user-friendly and require no difficult setups.
- Multiple Safari Versions: Easily switch between Safari versions to test compatibility with past and current versions.
- Device Coverage: Test on different screen sizes and pixels, replicating real-world usage cases.
Cloud platforms are ideal for coders who need a reliable, hassle-free way to test Safari without having Apple devices. One of the best cloud-based testing platforms is LambdaTest, which is an AI-based test orchestration and execution platform that allows you to perform cross-browser testing of your websites and online apps. It also allows you to perform manual and automated testing of your web applications and PWAs over 3000+ environments.
Best Practices for Safari Testing
To improve the efficiency of your Safari testing efforts, follow these best practices:
Test Across Multiple Safari Versions
Some users use the older versions of Safari, while others use the latest versions. So it is crucial to test your website on both the latest Safari release and older versions to ensure compatibility and provide a consistent experience for all users.
Focus on WebKit-Specific Features
Safari’s WebKit engine handles certain features differently from other browsers. Pay close attention to:
CSS features, especially transitions and flexbox layouts.
javaScript APIs, including those handling media and DOM changes.
Responsive design features for mobile-first websites.
Optimize for Performance
Safari values speed and efficiency, particularly on mobile devices. To improve speed, use tools like WebPageTest or Safari’s built-in developer tools. These tools help profile your website, spot problems, and make changes, ensuring fast load times and smooth performance, especially on mobile Safari.
Use Real Devices Whenever possible
Simulators and emulators often miss minor visual and behavioral problems that may affect the user experience. Testing on real Apple devices ensures your website works as intended in actual user settings. It offers a more accurate review, finding problems that might not show on virtual platforms and ensuring optimal functionality and compatibility.
Safari-Specific Features
Safari offers unique features that may not behave the same in other browsers. These include Safari Extensions, which require compatibility testing, and Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) that blocks third-party cookies affecting analytics and ads, and touch and gesture support on mobile, which needs testing for smooth interactions.
Combine Testing Methods
A single testing tool or method rarely offers complete coverage. To ensure full cross-browser compatibility, it’s important to combine multiple methods. Use cloud testing platforms for access to different devices, leverage automation tools like Selenium for repetitive tasks, and add real-device testing to catch any nuances in the user experience.
Conclusion
Running Safari on Windows for cross-browser testing might seem daunting, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s totally doable. From cloud-based platforms to virtual machines, simulators, and automation tools such as Selenium Chrome Driver, a variety of options exist to bridge the gap between Windows and Apple’s browser environment.
Testing on Safari ensures your website meets the standards of Apple users, who often demand perfect online experiences. By taking a multi-faceted approach to Safari testing and following best practices, developers can offer consistent, high-quality websites that work seamlessly across all major browsers.
This guide provides a plan for successful Safari testing on Windows, providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to handle compatibility challenges. Investing time and resources in testing for Safari is not just about ensuring functionality—it’s about building a user-friendly experience that resonates with all groups, regardless of their platform of choice.