On February 11, 2026, Apple released Safari 26.3, a security-focused update for Macs running macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia. While it doesn’t introduce major new features, it delivers important security patches, WebKit improvements, and stability fixes that affect not just Safari, but many apps that rely on Apple’s web engine.
Here’s what Safari 26.3 includes — and how to fix common problems after installing it.
🌐 What Is Safari 26.3?
Safari 26.3 is a standalone browser update available for:
- macOS Sonoma (14.x)
- macOS Sequoia (15.x)
Unlike Safari updates bundled exclusively with newer macOS versions, this release ensures users on older supported macOS versions still receive critical security protections.
Because Safari is deeply integrated into macOS, updates often include improvements to:
- WebKit (Safari’s rendering engine)
- JavaScript processing
- Privacy protections
- Web security frameworks
🔐 What’s New in Safari 26.3?
1. Critical WebKit Security Fixes
The biggest changes in Safari 26.3 address vulnerabilities in WebKit, which powers:
- Safari
- In-app browsers
- Web views in third-party apps
- Many macOS system components
These fixes patch issues that could potentially allow:
- Remote code execution via malicious websites
- Memory corruption
- Arbitrary code injection
- Exploitation through crafted web content
Because WebKit is frequently targeted by attackers, this update is strongly recommended.
2. JavaScript Engine Improvements
Safari 26.3 includes updates to the JavaScript engine that improve:
- Security against script-based exploits
- Stability on complex websites
- Performance when running web apps
Users may notice smoother performance on interactive sites and web-based productivity tools.
3. Stability and Compatibility Enhancements
The update also improves:
- Page rendering reliability
- Reduced browser crashes
- Better compatibility with modern web standards
- Improved handling of media playback
Even small improvements can noticeably improve browsing experience.
⚠️ Common Problems After Updating (And How To Fix Them)
While Safari updates usually install automatically through macOS Software Update, some users may experience issues afterward.
🌐 Websites Not Loading Properly
✅ Fix:
- Clear Safari cache:
- Safari > Settings > Advanced > Enable “Show Develop menu”
- Develop > Empty Caches
- Clear browsing history:
- Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All
- Disable extensions temporarily
If problems continue:
- Restart your Mac
🧩 Extensions Not Working
Safari updates sometimes require extension updates.
✅ Fix:
- Open Safari > Settings > Extensions
- Check for extension updates in the Mac App Store
- Disable and re-enable the extension
- Remove and reinstall problematic extensions
🐢 Safari Running Slow
✅ Fix:
- Restart your Mac
- Close unused tabs
- Disable heavy extensions
- Clear website data
- Check Activity Monitor for excessive CPU usage
If slowness continues:
- Reset Safari settings by removing website data and extensions
💻 Frequent Crashes
✅ Fix:
- Update all extensions
- Remove recently installed extensions
- Boot into Safe Mode and test Safari
- Create a new macOS user profile to isolate the issue
If crashes persist, reinstalling macOS (without erasing data) may resolve system-level conflicts.
🔐 Privacy Settings Reset or Changed
Sometimes updates adjust privacy protections.
✅ Fix:
- Review Safari > Settings > Privacy
- Re-check content blockers
- Reconfigure site-specific permissions
✅ Should You Install Safari 26.3?
Yes.
Even if you use Chrome or another browser, Safari’s WebKit engine is used throughout macOS for:
- Embedded web content
- Mail previews
- App Store views
- Various system services
Security vulnerabilities in WebKit can affect the entire system — not just Safari.
Installing Safari 26.3 ensures your Mac remains protected against web-based threats.
📌 How To Install Safari 26.3
Safari updates are delivered through macOS Software Update:
- Open System Settings
- Click General
- Select Software Update
- Install available updates
You may need to restart your Mac after installation.
To enable automatic updates:
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
- Turn on automatic updates
Final Thoughts
Safari 26.3 may not introduce flashy new features, but it’s a crucial security update that strengthens your Mac’s defenses against modern web-based threats.
With WebKit patches, JavaScript security improvements, and stability enhancements, this update ensures safer and smoother browsing across macOS Sonoma and Sequoia.
If you experience issues after installing it, most can be resolved quickly with cache clearing, extension updates, or a simple restart.
