Apple is reportedly preparing a smarter version of Tab Groups for Safari in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. According to a new report from Bloomberg, the browser will soon be able to automatically organize open tabs into groups using AI, making it easier to manage cluttered browsing sessions without manually sorting everything yourself.
The feature is currently being tested internally ahead of WWDC 2026, where Apple is expected to unveil its next generation operating systems. While Safari already supports Tab Groups, the system has remained mostly unchanged since launching in 2021 with iOS 15 and macOS Monterey. This update appears aimed at making the feature far more useful for people who regularly juggle dozens of tabs across devices.
In current test builds, Safari reportedly adds a new “Organize Tabs” option inside the Tab Groups interface. Once enabled, Safari can automatically sort tabs into categories based on the content you browse. For example, social media tabs could be grouped together while streaming services, shopping sites, research pages, or work-related tabs would move into separate collections automatically.
Apple has not officially labeled the feature as part of Apple Intelligence, but reports suggest machine learning powers the organization system behind the scenes. The functionality sounds similar to AI categorization already used in apps like Reminders, where lists can automatically sort items into relevant groups.
The move also brings Safari closer to competing browsers like Google Chrome, which already offers AI-assisted tab organization tools. Other browsers, including AI-focused alternatives from Opera and Perplexity, have also pushed heavily into automated browsing features over the last year.
Beyond automatic grouping, reports suggest Apple will still allow users to manually organize tabs if they prefer. The feature appears optional instead of being forced by default, which should help users who already have their own tab management system in place.
Safari’s tab improvements are expected to arrive alongside broader usability changes across Apple’s upcoming software updates. Rumors so far point to Apple refining the Liquid Glass interface in macOS 27, improving readability issues, and continuing its larger push into AI features across the ecosystem. Updates to Siri, Visual Intelligence, and the Photos app are also reportedly in development for WWDC 2026.
(via Bloomberg)
