Evaluating websites on different browsers is essential for ensuring a great user experience. Safari is a popular browser commonly used on macOS and iOS devices; however, testing Safari for Windows can be challenging due to its lack of support. Developers need to confirm compatibility with Safari on Windows to ensure their websites operate smoothly for all users.
Cross-platform testing provides a solution to this challenge and simplifies the process of testing the Safari browser on Windows by offering accurate and trustworthy testing alternatives. Testers can run Safari on Windows by utilizing actual macOS environments via cloud services.
In this article, we will provide basic information about cross-platform testing and explain different methods to test the Safari browser on Windows. Furthermore, we will also address the difficulties faced when testing Safari on Windows and the most effective strategies to tackle these challenges.
Cross-platform testing
As the number of devices, OS versions, and browsers continues to increase, applications and websites are accessed through various combinations. Each device possesses different combinations of screen size and resolution, together with distinct operating system versions. The testing approach of cross-platform determines whether applications and websites function identically on platforms such as operating systems, browsers, and devices. These tests provide developers with an advanced and scalable approach to confirm their application functions on multiple platforms, including Safari for Windows.
Avoiding cross-platform testing leads to the possibility that functional applications may encounter problems on other operating systems or their versions, or different browsers or browser versions. This might drive away important user groups, which would lead to a decline in traffic, lost income, and negative feedback about the website.
Why Testing Safari On Windows Is Important
Safari is among the most widely used web browsers in the world, especially among Apple users. Here are several reasons why it is vital to test the website on Safari:
Considerable User Base
The Safari browser dominates its market sector specifically because it serves as the default browser for all Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Not optimizing the Safari browser could cause organizations to miss out on many visitor opportunities.
Distinct Rendering Engine
Safari runs on WebKit as its rendering engine, whereas Chrome utilizes Blink, and Firefox uses Gecko. The website shows different presentations across Safari compared to other browsers, which emphasizes the need for testing.
Integrated Features
The built-in features within Safari such as private browsing and reader mode along with strong Apple system integration can impact how a web page appears and operates for users. Testing on Safari guarantees that these functions work as expected.
Apple Ecosystem Integration
Safari operates as a fundamental part of the Apple operating systems for Mac as well as iOS and iPad operating systems. Testing Safari is essential to confirm proper website functionality for the Apple platforms.
Unique Features and Behavior
Safari often provides features and security protocols that other browsers may lack. Its focus on privacy and security can impact how cookies and tracking scripts function. It allows developers to verify that their sites operate correctly within these limitations to provide a consistent user experience.
Adherence to Web Standards
The web standards compliance of Safari remains strong yet Safari sometimes applies unique interpretations to web content. This can influence CSS rendering and JavaScript execution. Testing specifically for Safari ensures that web applications conform to its standards interpretation and display as intended.
Regular Updates
Apple frequently updates Safari, often adding new features and modifying existing ones. Each update has the potential to disrupt current web functionality if not thoroughly tested for compatibility. Keeping up with these updates and conducting extensive testing each time guarantees that web applications stay functional and secure.
Cross-Browser Compatibility
Making sure that the website works well across all major browsers is a fundamental principle in web development. Even if Safari is not the primary browser, testing the website on it ensures a uniform experience for all users, no matter their browser preference.
Different ways of testing Safari on Windows
While Safari is only natively supported on macOS and iOS, testers can still test the website on Safari on a Windows system. We look at several ways to perform this below.
Using Virtual Machines to test Safari on Windows
When adopting a virtual infrastructure for web-based resources and testing, the first step is to select the most appropriate, dependable, and efficient virtualization platform that satisfies all of the organization’s development process needs. Using virtual machines, testers can easily prevent incompatibility issues and do Safari testing on Windows on newer and older versions.
However, the main disadvantages are that the spontaneous deployment of virtual machines causes network infrastructure conflicts, a lack of control over the use of operating systems, the inability to integrate into the organization’s existing IT environment, and the high cost of solutions.
Test Safari on Windows using cross-browser testing tools
If testers wish to test Safari on Windows, they can utilize cross-browser testing tools. Fortunately, there are several online tools for verifying a website’s cross-browser compatibility. There are free ones with limits, and there are expensive ones with extensive capabilities and a high rate of productivity.
Using Emulators and Simulators
Testers can test how a website will appear and work on mobile devices by using emulators and simulators that imitate the behaviour of Safari on iOS devices. If testers have a Mac, they may test Safari on several iOS devices using the Xcode emulator. Xcode has a simulator for iPhones and iPads, although its main purpose is to create applications.
Challenges in testing Safari on Windows
- Lack of Native Support: Apple has stopped supporting Safari on the Windows platform. It is no longer officially maintained or updated for Windows users. As a result, users experience challenges when attempting to run Safari on Windows.
- Compatibility Issues: Testers who successfully install an older Safari version on Windows could still face compatibility issues. The outdated Safari browser may not support the more recent JavaScript, HTML, or CSS capabilities.
- Limited Testing Options: The unavailability of Safari for Windows complicates testing options. It becomes challenging to automate tests or incorporate Safari into continuous integration processes since many testing tools and services do not support this obsolete version.
- Security Risks: Using an outdated browser version puts the system at risk of security vulnerabilities. The lack of essential security updates for secure browsing results from the discontinuation of maintenance for Safari on Windows.
Testing Safari on Windows Made Easy
Use Cloud-Based Testing Platforms
Cloud testing services are great at expanding the testing workflow across a variety of browsers and operating systems. These platforms offer access to real, distant devices and browsers. LambdaTest is one such platform that allows testers to execute automated tests and manual interactions on virtual machines running multiple versions of Safari.
LambdaTest is an AI testing tool where testers can run both manual and automated tests on over 3000+ environments, and real device and browser combinations. Using this platform, QA teams can access Safari on various macOS versions without requiring a Mac.
While testing Safari on Windows, testers gain access to a variety of compelling features, including compatibility for different languages and frameworks, test run recording, CI/CD integrations, integration of bug reporting tools, monitoring and accessibility tools, and many others. All these capabilities make LambdaTest an excellent choice for achieving scalable, AI driven test automation across multiple platforms.
Additionally, LambdaTest facilitates the effective resolution of cross-browser issues with features like visual testing, AI-powered XPath selections, and video recording. The platform’s integrated issue tracker and project management tool make bug management and tracking easier, while API integration and third-party connectors improve the testing workflow. The AI-driven self-recovery and automated testing features of LambdaTest guarantee seamless operation on a variety of platforms.
The LambdaTest Automation Dashboard helps developers track performance which enables them to verify correct functionality while maintaining the best development process. Tools like screen readers support accessibility testing, while geolocation capability adds further depth to real-time testing.
Leverage Virtualization and macOS Cloud Services
If testers want a macOS environment only for running Safari, they may hire a macOS cloud instance. It is a virtualized macOS environment that testers may access remotely from a Windows PC. Using these services, testers may install Safari in a virtual macOS environment, test their web applications, and confirm that everything works properly without needing a real Apple device.
Browser Emulation and Simulation Tools
Information on how a web application could appear or behave in the Safari browser can be obtained using browser emulators and simulators. They attempt to mimic the rendering engine, functionality, and behaviour of the Safari browser.
Emulators and simulators are not ideal, but they can be useful for basic testing, such as layout and functionality. However, the behaviour may differ from that of real Safari browsers in terms of speed, rendering, and advanced capabilities.
Automated Testing with Selenium and WebDriver
Testers require automation to advance their testing methods. Selenium and WebDriver represent the most widespread automation technologies that execute tests on Safari, along with various other browsers. Using Selenium directly on Windows will not support access to Safari, but testers can access it through cloud services or virtual machines in a macOS environment.
Testers can evaluate different features, including form submissions, page loading, and additional functionalities, across multiple versions of Safari and various devices by leveraging Selenium’s browser automation tools.
Manual Testing on macOS or iOS Devices
Although a large portion of testing can be automated, advanced user interface interactions, responsive design, and other user experiences still need to be validated manually. Manual testing on macOS or iOS devices provides the most reliable Safari testing results.
Furthermore, utilizing real iOS devices (iPhone or iPad) for manual testing guarantees that touch-based interactions and device-specific behaviours are properly tested.
Test Across Multiple Safari Versions
It’s important to test the website on various Safari versions. Older versions might not support certain web standards or may not render the same as more modern versions. Testing across several Safari versions ensures greater compatibility.
Utilize Cross-Browser Testing Suites
Testing Safari as a necessity demands full functional testing on all major browsers to guarantee proper website performance. Cross-browser testing suites provide testing facilities that let testers check their application across Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers. It guarantees that errors detected in Safari are not limited to that browser but may also be rectified in others.
Monitor Performance and Load Testing in Safari
To guarantee proper website operation on Safari during high-traffic situations, along with resource-intensive processes, both performance and load testing prove essential. Web performers should understand Safari’s methods for managing speed and scalability and handling load times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, evaluating the Safari browser on Windows is a crucial step for ensuring compatibility across different platforms. As there is no native version of Safari available for Windows, testing it can prove challenging. However, testers can guarantee that their Windows applications function correctly on Safari using cross-platform testing methods. These services provide access to authentic macOS environments, support for automation, and scalability options without needing Apple hardware.
Utilizing these services, testers can optimize their time and verify that the website operates smoothly on all browsers and devices. By following best practices and using available resources, testing Safari on Windows can be made easier.
