What it does
Safari includes Intelligent Tracking Prevention, third-party cookie restrictions and additional tracking protections in Private Browsing on Apple devices.
Safari combines built-in tracking prevention with a separate Private Browsing session. On Mac, File > New Private Window opens a window with a dark Smart Search field. Apple's guide says visited pages, AutoFill entries and changes to cookies are not saved, and private open tabs are not stored in iCloud or handed off to another device. Downloaded files remain on the computer even though they are omitted from the downloads list.
Close the private windows and remove downloaded files when those local traces matter. These session rules do not apply to regular windows open at the same time. Advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection is enabled in Private Browsing; if it disrupts a page, the Mac guide offers View > Reload Reducing Privacy Protections. Match the instructions to the operating-system version in use.
Strengths
- Tracking prevention built into the system browser
- Private Browsing adds URL-tracker protections
Best for
- People who primarily browse on Apple devices
Sources
- Safari - Apple (Oct 26, 2026)
- Browse privately in Safari on Mac - Apple Support (Oct 26, 2026)