Safari is mainly used on Apple devices, but some users still rely on it on Windows. Since it uses the WebKit engine, web pages may appear differently compared to Chrome or Firefox. Testing helps fix display issues and ensure a smooth user experience.
Older versions of Safari may also have security risks. Checking website performance on this browser helps in identifying potential vulnerabilities. Some users still access websites through Safari for Windows, so testing ensures they do not face problems.
This article covers why Safari for Windows testing is important, how to run it, and the best tools for handling browser-specific issues.
Importance of Safari for Windows Testing
Testing Safari on Windows is important for many reasons, despite the fact that Safari is primarily linked with Apple’s macOS and iOS systems. Ensuring compatibility with Safari for Windows ensures that web applications work well in all user environments, including those where this browser is still in use.
Here are the importance of safari for window testing:
- Cross-Browser Consistency: Different browsers display web pages in different ways. They process HTML, CSS, and JavaScript differently. Testing Safari on Windows helps in making sure that a website appears and works properly on all major browsers. It helps in fixing any errors that are specific to this browser. This makes sure that all users have the same experience and do not face issues while using the website.
- Expanding User Access: While Safari for Windows is not as popular as other browsers, neglecting it could result in missing out on a segment of users. Some users still prefer or are required to use it. By ensuring your web application works smoothly on this browser, you make it accessible to a larger audience. This inclusivity is important for retaining users who would otherwise be excluded.
- Handling Display Differences: Every browser uses a different rendering engine. A rendering engine is what helps in displaying web pages. Safari uses WebKit, while other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge use different engines because of this, Safari may display websites differently compared to other browsers. Testing on Safari helps in finding and fixing these differences. This makes sure that a website looks the same and works correctly on all browsers.
- Reducing Security Risks: Each browser has its own security features. Some browsers have better security, while others might have weaknesses. Older versions of Safari for Windows may have more security risks compared to other browsers. Testing helps in checking if a website follows security standards. It helps in identifying and fixing possible security risks. This makes the website safer for users.
- Staying Ahead of Competitors: Making sure that a website works well on all browsers, including Safari for Windows, gives an advantage over competitors. Some companies may ignore testing on less common browsers. If a website works well everywhere, more users will trust it. A smooth experience across all platforms makes users stay on the website for a longer time. It helps in keeping visitors and attracting new ones.
Testing Safari on Windows helps in making websites work correctly for all users. It improves accessibility, security, and user experience. It also helps in reaching more people and standing out from competitors.
How to Download Safari for Windows?
Downloading Safari for Windows has become more complicated since Apple ceased its development. This means there are no longer updates provided for Safari on Windows. Safari 5.1.7 was the last version released, and it is now outdated. Additionally, Apple has removed the download section for Safari for Windows from its official website.
Despite the complications, it’s possible to download the latest version of Safari through the direct link (.exe) from the Apple website. Furthermore, many third-party websites offer the package on their servers. Let’s get straight to the downloading process:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the third-party website offering Safari for Windows.
- Click on the download link for Safari 5.1.7. The installer package (usually a .exe file) will begin downloading.
- If your browser settings prevent automatic downloads, you may need to manually approve the download.
- After the download is complete, locate the installer in your browser’s ‘Downloads’ section or the directory where downloaded files are saved.
- Now, double-click the installer to begin the installation process.
- Agree to the terms and conditions by ticking the unchecked boxes.
- Choose the installation location where you want to deploy the complete application to run it (the default location is usually better), click on the “Install” bar, and wait for the installation process to complete.
- Once the installation is complete, you can find the Safari shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
How to Run Safari on Windows?
Testing Safari browsers online for Windows can be challenging due to its native design for macOS and iOS. However, there are several methods to accomplish this:
Use a Virtual Machine
Testing on Safari doesn’t require a Mac. You can perform these tests on a Windows local host using a virtual machine, with your PC acting as the server.
There’s a wide selection of virtual machines available that can run any browser within Linux or Windows environments.
The setup process involves adjusting a few hardware and software settings, such as assigning the amount of disk space and RAM to each operating system. However, your computer should have sufficient processing power to handle this configuration effectively.
Use Cross-Browser Testing Tools
It’s crucial to test websites across multiple browsers to ensure a smooth experience for all visitors. When faced with the challenge of testing on Safari without access to a Mac, cross-browser testing tools provide an effective solution. These tools enable you to simultaneously assess the functionality and appearance of your website on various browsers, including Safari.
This approach is cost-effective and particularly well-suited for evaluating multiple websites on Safari without the need for additional hardware investments.
Popular Cross-Browser Tools
If emulators or actual devices are unavailable, consider using cloud-based emulators. A major advantage of cloud-based emulators over local emulators or real devices is the ability to automate unit tests for your site across various platforms.
LambdaTest
LambdaTest is an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform allowing manual and automated tests at scale across over 3000+ real devices, browsers, and OS combinations. It allows you to scalable your basic automation tests allowing QA teams to enhance the testing process, and also allows teams to use various tools, supporting test automation with frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, Appium, Espresso, and XCUITest.
Key features of LambdaTest:
- Execute automation tests across various programming languages and frameworks on an extensive browser farm with over 3000 real desktop and mobile environments.
- Conduct real-time cross-browser testing using a real device cloud.
- Accelerate test automation with HyperExecute, an advanced end-to-end test orchestration cloud.
- Perform smart visual regression testing in the cloud to detect visual discrepancies.
- Integrate with over 120 third-party tools for CI/CD, project management, codeless automation, and more.
- Enable localhost testing for web and mobile applications.
- Conduct geolocation testing for web and mobile apps across more than 53 regions.
- Perform accessibility testing on Chrome using the Accessibility DevTools Chrome extension.
- Use the Chromium-based LT Browser 2.0 for efficient, responsive testing across 50+ pre-installed device viewports.
Oracle VM VirtualBox
Oracle VM VirtualBox is a free tool from Oracle that lets you run operating systems and applications that would not normally work on your device. To use Safari on Windows with VirtualBox, you need to create a virtual machine (VM) running macOS since Apple no longer provides Safari for Windows. This virtual environment helps bypass software compatibility issues.
Key features of Oracle VM VirtualBox:
- You can create copies of your virtual machine, making it easier to test different environments. This helps with parallel testing on Safari.
- You can assign system resources efficiently to the virtual machine, ensuring smooth performance even when running resource-heavy applications.
Selenium Box
Selenium Box is a tool that helps organizations simplify their Selenium and Appium infrastructure for cross-browser web and mobile testing. It enables running automated web and mobile tests behind corporate firewalls or deploying in a private cloud for Linux OS, targeting enterprises with high data privacy requirements.
Key features of Selenium Box:
- Offers high scalability to accommodate growing user needs.
- Includes maintenance-free browsers that are pre-tested for functionality and compatibility.
- Integrates seamlessly with CI/CD environments for continuous testing.
- Provides manual access to a wide range of browsers.
- Features system usage tracking, monitoring tool integration, and advanced test reporting.
Challenges in Testing Safari for Windows
Here are some key issues when handling older versions of Safari:
- Browser Update Discontinuation: Apple stopped making Safari for Windows in 2012, leaving testers stuck with outdated versions. This old software doesn’t support modern web features, making it hard to test new websites. Testers can’t check how sites work with current web standards, which limits the value of their testing.
- Rendering Differences: The way Safari shows websites on Windows differs from how it works on Mac. Text might appear in different sizes, colors might look wrong, and page layouts can break. This makes it hard for testers to know if the problems they see will also happen on Mac computers. They often waste time chasing issues that only exist in the Windows version.
- Complex Setup Process: Getting old Safari versions to work on modern Windows systems is like solving a puzzle. Testers often run into error messages during installation. Sometimes, the browser crashes right after starting up. They might need to change Windows settings or install extra software just to make Safari run.
- Performance Problems: Safari runs slower on Windows than other browsers. This makes testing take longer and can hide real speed problems. When a website loads slowly, testers can’t tell if it’s because of their code or just because Safari for Windows is slow.
Best Practices for Safari for Windows Testing
Testing Safari on Windows helps find and fix browser-specific issues. It ensures that web applications function properly and provide a smooth experience for all users. Following these best practices helps in improving compatibility, performance, and security.
- Know the Browser’s Limitations: Before starting your testing process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the limitations of Safari for Windows. Since the latest version of Safari available for Windows is 5.1.7, it’s important to understand the specific features it supports and how they may differ from other versions or browsers. This helps you manage expectations and focus on the unique aspects of testing in this environment.
- Use Cross-Browser Testing Tools: Take advantage of cloud-based platforms that offer access to real Safari browsers running on macOS. These tools allow you to perform testing on Safari from a Windows machine, ensuring compatibility with macOS-specific features.
- Optimize Performance Testing: Safari’s performance can vary depending on the system and internet connection. Test your website’s loading speed, responsiveness, and smoothness of animations. Also, monitor resource usage to ensure your site runs efficiently without consuming excessive system resources or causing delays.
- Conduct Usability Testing: Test the website’s usability on Safari by conducting tests with real users or using usability testing tools. Observe how users interact with the site and gather feedback on their experience. Use this information to identify areas that need improvement, such as confusing navigation or slow load times.
- Plan for Regression Testing: Establish a routine for regression testing by creating test cycles to ensure that updates or changes to the site don’t introduce new issues in Safari. Automate the process wherever possible to make testing more efficient and reliable.
- Monitor Analytics and User Data: Look into website traffic and user behavior specifically for Safari users on Windows. Pay attention to user interactions, drop-off points, and other key metrics that might be unique to Safari.
Conclusion
Using Safari for Windows might give a very nostalgic experience to those who have used it back in the days when it was available for Windows. But the bigger issue with still using Safari is that it’s outdated by over 12 years now, and thus the fact that all its safety and privacy features are very old with the new advances in technology over the years, which is a concerning fact before using Safari on windows in today’s date.
Along with that, the last version of Safari for Windows, i.e., Safari 5.1.7, also lacks many modern features and enhancements that make the web surfing experience better. Older versions of any application are the most vulnerable target for any misleading and malware activity groups.
Despite its great history and memories, it’s always better to use the latest search engines instead of the older versions!
