Apple has introduced a new privacy control option in the fourth beta of iOS 18.4, allowing users to disable the controversial "Show Recent Searches" feature in Safari.
The feature, which debuted in earlier iOS 18.4 beta versions, automatically displays users' recent search history when opening a new Safari tab and tapping the search field. Initially, users had no way to turn this function off, raising privacy concerns particularly in situations where devices are shared with others.
Responding to user feedback during the beta testing phase, Apple added a simple toggle in the Safari section of the Settings app. Users can now easily disable the "Show Recent Searches" feature, reverting Safari's search behavior to match iOS 18.3.2, where recent searches remain hidden when accessing the search window in a new tab.
The iOS 18.4 update, expected to release in early April, brings additional features including:
- New emoji characters
- Apple Intelligence Priority Notifications
- Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro
- Vision Pro app integration
This privacy enhancement demonstrates Apple's commitment to user feedback and device security, giving users more control over their browsing data visibility.