Testing websites on Safari for Windows: What You Need to Know

Testing on Safari for Windows poses a serious problem today for web developers, as Apple discontinued Safari for Windows in 2012. Many developers and QA teams end up in situations where they need to check that the website works on such outdated browsers for various reasons: legacy systems, client requirements, or simply for the sake of doing cross-browser compatibility work.

Before its demise, Safari for Windows was a valuable tool for testing and using browsers on non-Apple systems. Its last version was (5.1.7), which lacks security and updates, and even lacks many modern web standards.

History of Safari on Windows

In 2007, Apple released Safari for Windows to deliver a stylish browser experience for those users who don’t have a Mac. Safari excited people with its speed and style, but failed to make a real impact against Windows browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox with its market share.

By 2012, Apple simply dropped support for Safari on Windows, and the last version of Safari that was released was 5.1.7. Since then, Safari has fallen behind on Windows, without updates or security fixes, and is incompatible with the current standards and technologies for web development today.

Why Test Websites on Safari for Windows?

Even though Apple no longer supports Safari for Windows, there remain situations where it’s essential to test websites on this obsolete browser. Here are essential reasons, outlined in points, detailing why testing on Safari for Windows could still be important:

• Former user community: Certain organizations or users might continue to depend on outdated systems that have Safari for Windows installed.
  
• Client specifications: Clients with a wide user base may specifically ask for testing on Safari for Windows to ensure compatibility across numerous platforms.
  
• Debugging history: Testing on the original environment can assist in detecting and fixing ongoing rendering or functionality issues if testers are updating or maintaining a legacy web application initially designed for Safari on Windows.
  
• Comparative analysis of browser behavior: Safari for Windows, while no longer current, still provides valuable information on WebKit rendering within a Windows environment.
  
• Thorough QA evaluation: For teams aiming for thorough cross-browser testing, incorporating edge-case environments such as Safari for Windows can showcase meticulousness.
  
• Security awareness: Testing Safari on Windows can reveal the vulnerabilities of outdated browsers when interacting with modern sites.
  

Methods to use Safari on Windows for website testing

Safari is no longer natively available on Windows, complicating direct testing on the browser for developers without access to macOS. Here are the primary techniques, each accompanied by an overview of its functionality:

• Set up legacy Safari for Windows. The last version (5.1.7) can be downloaded from the archives.
• Utilize browser testing services. Cloud-based platforms provide live Safari access on macOS devices.
• Execute macOS within a virtual machine (VM). Virtualization lets you run Safari on Windows, but it can pose legal/performance issues.
• Utilize remote debugging with iOS devices. Use Safari developer tools on Mac with iPhone/iPad connected.
• Employ responsive design simulators. Quick way to mimic Safari UI, though not real browser behavior.
  

Benefits of using Safari on Windows for website testing

Although Safari for Windows is outdated, testing on it still offers advantages:

• Guarantees compatibility with older systems.
• Ensures extensive cross-browser compatibility.
• Meets users’ or stakeholders’ needs.
• Beneficial for regression and historical assessment.
• Emphasizes advancement enhancement possibilities.
• Recognizes essential backup situations.
• Offers a perspective on previous web standards.
  

Challenges faced when testing the website on Safari for Windows

Some key challenges include:

• No updates for security.
• Absence of modern development tools.
• Rendering inconsistencies with modern Safari.
• Lack of support for plugins/extensions.
• Issues installing on newer Windows versions.
  

Best practices for Safari on Windows for website testing

Since Safari for Windows is outdated, these best practices help:

• Use it only for legacy validation instead of general testing.
• Supplement with remote Safari access on macOS.
• Run it inside a virtual machine for safety.
• Use cloud-based cross-browser testing platforms.
  

One such cloud-testing platform is LambdaTest, a GenAI-native test execution platform that allows you to perform manual and automated tests at scale across 3000+ browsers and OS combinations, including live Safari sessions and automated Selenium tests. Its AI-driven test automation capabilities make cross-browser and mobile testing easier, helping you catch layout, scrolling, and touch interaction issues faster.

For Windows users who need reliable Safari for Windows testing, LambdaTest provides a simple, cost-effective, and scalable solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although testing websites on Safari from a Windows environment seems difficult, it is completely doable with the correct tools and techniques. Because Safari is still a popular browser, particularly on iOS devices, compatibility is crucial to provide a reliable user experience.

Developers can get around Windows’ lack of native Safari support by utilizing cloud-based tools like LambdaTest, validating against web standards, and, whenever feasible, utilizing actual devices. By combining these with AI-driven test automation approaches, teams can ensure their sites perform smoothly across all platforms, including Apple’s ecosystem, without requiring OS switching.