Apple’s macOS Sierra is coming later this year, and it will come with Safari 10. One of the significant changes in Safari 10 is how it deals with Flash content. Even if you have Flash installed on your Mac, when you visit a website, Safari will, by default, act as if Flash is not installed. This change was confirmed by Apple’s software engineer, Ricky Mondello.
Improved Performance and Battery Life
The primary reason behind this change is to enhance the user experience by improving performance and battery life. As Mondello explained:
On websites that offer both Flash and HTML5 implementations of content, Safari users will now always experience the modern HTML5 implementation, delivering improved performance and battery life. This policy and its benefits apply equally to all websites; Safari has no built-in list of exceptions. If a website really does require a legacy plug-in, users can explicitly activate it on that website.
This shift towards HTML5 is not just about performance and battery life; it’s also about security. Flash has been notorious for its security vulnerabilities, and by prioritizing HTML5, Apple aims to provide a safer browsing experience for its users. HTML5 is more secure, faster, and more efficient than Flash, making it the preferred choice for modern web content.
Impact on Other Plugins
While Apple has long wanted to phase out Flash, Safari 10’s new policy will also affect other legacy plugins like Silverlight and Java. These plugins will be treated similarly to Flash, meaning they will not be activated by default. Users will need to explicitly enable these plugins if a website requires them. This move aligns with the broader industry trend of moving away from legacy plugins in favor of more secure and efficient technologies.
For example, many streaming services that once relied on Silverlight have transitioned to HTML5. Netflix, one of the most popular streaming platforms, made this switch several years ago, resulting in a smoother and more reliable viewing experience for its users. Similarly, Java, which has been used for various web applications, has seen a decline in usage as more developers adopt modern web technologies.
The transition away from these legacy plugins is not just about improving performance and security; it’s also about future-proofing the web. As web standards evolve, relying on outdated technologies can hinder progress and limit the capabilities of web applications. By encouraging the use of HTML5 and other modern technologies, Apple is helping to ensure that the web continues to evolve and improve.
In addition to these changes, macOS Sierra will bring several other new features and improvements. For instance, the new operating system will include Siri integration, allowing users to interact with their Mac using voice commands. This feature will enable users to perform tasks like searching for files, sending messages, and setting reminders without needing to type.
Another notable feature is the introduction of Universal Clipboard, which allows users to copy content on one Apple device and paste it on another. This seamless integration between devices will make it easier for users to work across their iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Overall, the release of macOS Sierra and Safari 10 represents a significant step forward for Apple. By prioritizing modern web technologies and phasing out legacy plugins, Apple is enhancing the user experience, improving security, and helping to future-proof the web. As more websites adopt HTML5 and other modern standards, users can expect a faster, safer, and more efficient browsing experience.
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