How to build Safari extensions in macOS 27 and iOS 27
In this step-by-step tutorial, we show you how to use Apple Intelligence to build (vibe code) your own Safari extensions with simple text prompts on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Safari on Mac has supported extensions since version 5, which was released in 2010. And Safari on iOS and iPadOS got extension support with iOS 15 released in 2021. But despite years of support, the Safari Extensions store is a lot more limited than the Chrome Web Store.
To address this, Apple now lets you create your own extensions based on your needs, without compromising your privacy. You can simply describe what you want, and Apple Intelligence will likely build a working Safari extension just for you and your devices in a couple of minutes. But be mindful that it may fail for some mid- to complex tasks.
Secondly, just like extensions you download from the App Store, the ones you create will also be compatible with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Plus, they automatically sync via iCloud on all devices where you have signed in with the same Apple Account.
Create Safari extensions on Mac
1) Update your Mac to macOS 27 Golden Gate or install it on a partition.
2) Make sure new Siri (and by extension, Apple Intelligence) is set up.
3) Open Safari and visit a website.
4) Click the three-line menu icon on the left side of the address bar as shown in the screenshot below, and select Describe Extension.
5) Now:
- Think of what you want the extension to do; what new feature or improvements you want to add to Safari…
- Or, you can pick a suggested idea from these categories: Boost Productivity, Improve Focus, Get Creative, and Design & Develop.
For this tutorial, I have my own idea: I want Apple Intelligence to build me an extension that changes the page color on iDownloadBlog (and other websites) from white to gray for a retro look. So, I will describe that in the box in simple words and click Next.
6) Safari will search if there is an existing extension on the App Store that already does what you want. In case there are none (which is the case in most cases), it will say ‘No App Store Results. Create an extension to get started.’ Click the Create button.
7) Wait for Apple’s AI to build it. You’ll see a ‘Creating Extension…’ status in the upper left corner of the screen.
8) Once the extension is created, click the ‘Try‘ button to give it a spin.
Note that clicking ‘View‘ shows the editing and permissions screen.
9) After clicking ‘Try,’ you’ll likely have to click the extension icon again at the top and allow it to run.
10) If the extension works as you asked, then there is nothing left to do.
But if not, you can tweak it: click Edit or View and then describe the change.
In my case, I asked it to fix a minor issue where the background behind the post title wasn’t changing to gray. So I had Apple Intelligence retry, and it eventually fixed the issue.
Finally, click Save to update the extension.
You can manage this extension (Mac and iOS) the same way you can other third-party ones.
Create Safari extension using AI on iPhone or iPad
First off, once you create an extension on Mac, you don’t need to repeat it on your iPhone or iPad, as it will sync via iCloud.
But if you don’t have a Mac or want to work on the go, follow these steps to create one directly on your iOS device.
1) Update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 (currently both are in beta).
2) Set up new Siri if not already.
3) Open Safari and visit a website.
4) Tap the three-line menu icon and select Describe Extension.
5) Select from a suggestion or describe your exact needs. I’m asking it to build me an extension that turns all photos on a webpage to black & white.
6) Once it’s established that an existing extension for this job isn’t available, tap Create to build one yourself.
7) Once you’re past the ‘Creating Extension’ status, tap the Try button at the top. It should work, as it did in my case. If you need to make some changes, tap Edit and describe the change.
Apple has been talking a lot about AI since iOS 18. But unlike previous years, they have actually delivered this time. Here are some notable new AI features you can use in iOS 27 and macOS 27:
- Create Siri shortcuts just by describing (same as creating Safari extensions we discussed above)
- Use AI to extend wallpaper and photos
- Reframe an existing photo to change camera angle
- Automatically group your Safari tabs by topics
- New Siri app
Which extensions are you going to build for your browser?
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2026/08/27/build-safari-extension/
