Apple reportedly developing 'Organise Tabs' feature for Safari to automate browser grouping
The update builds on manual Tab Groups introduced in 2021 and is anticipated to be showcased at WWDC26, despite the feature likely utilising artificial intelligence.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is currently testing a new Safari capability named 'Organise Tabs', designed to automatically group browser tabs for users. This development comes as part of the next major software update, which is expected to debut across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. While the feature is anticipated to be showcased at WWDC26, scheduled to commence on 8 June, no official confirmation has been issued by Apple regarding the specifics of the rollout.
The proposed functionality represents an evolution of the manual 'Tab Groups' option that was introduced in Safari 15 in 2021. Under the new system, users will retain control over their browsing environment, with the option to enable or disable the automatic grouping mechanism. This approach contrasts with some competitor offerings where such features are presented as mandatory or heavily branded, allowing Apple to integrate the utility without altering the user's existing workflow preferences.
Although the feature is likely to utilise artificial intelligence to identify and cluster related tabs, Gurman notes that it will not carry the 'Apple Intelligence' label. This distinction aligns with Apple's historical tendency to adopt AI-powered capabilities more cautiously than rivals, often integrating the technology into the background rather than marketing it as a standalone generative AI product. The move suggests a focus on seamless utility rather than branding the underlying intelligence.
Contextual analysis indicates that Google Chrome previously launched a similar capability called 'Organise Similar Tabs' in January 2024, marketing it as a generative AI feature. Apple's reported response appears to be a measured attempt to close this gap in functionality while maintaining its distinct product philosophy. The reporting highlights that while competitors have moved quickly to highlight AI features, Apple continues to prioritise integration over explicit labelling in its browser ecosystem.
The timeline for this update relies entirely on Gurman's reporting, with the specific release date remaining tentative pending the WWDC26 announcement. While the source material references version numbers in the mid-2020s, the exact mechanism of the AI behind the feature remains undisclosed by Apple at this stage. Investors and industry observers will be watching to see if this update signals a shift in Apple's broader strategy regarding AI integration in its core operating systems.
