Despite the discontinuation of Safari for Windows development by Apple in 2012, it remains essential for developers targeting Mac and iOS users to test mobile applications in the Safari browser online.
Some users want to set Safari as their default Windows 10 and 11 browsers. They value Safari for its user-friendly interface and fast performance. Safari is comparable in performance to other popular browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. However, there is a specific consideration to be aware of.
The growing demand for top-tier mobile applications underscores the critical importance of thorough testing. Conducting testing within a simulated Safari environment enables developers to precisely mimic the user experience on iOS devices, guaranteeing optimal performance of their apps on Apple’s widely-used platform.
By utilizing innovative techniques and tools, developers can effectively simulate Safari on Windows, enabling thorough testing of their mobile applications across various devices and operating systems.
This article will discuss the methods available for simulating Safari on Windows.
Methods to Test Websites on Safari Without Mac
Safari has been recognized as the second most popular browser in 2022 and is the default native browser for Apple devices. Its rapid responsiveness makes it an excellent choice for testing online products or sites.
One of the primary obstacles software testers and mobile application developers encounter is the absence of a Mac device, such as an iMac or MacBook. A Mac is essential for conducting both automated and manual testing in the Safari browser, which is specific to the Mac platform.
To effectively address this issue, consider employing the following techniques to conduct product testing on the Safari browser:
Use a Virtual Machine
You can conduct tests on the Safari browser without a Mac by utilizing a virtual machine on a Windows local host. You can easily set up and run tests on different browsers using your PC or system as the server. There are various virtual machine options available that support running browsers within Linux or Windows environments.
To successfully implement this setup, it is necessary to adjust specific settings at the hardware and software levels, such as determining the appropriate allocation of disk space and RAM for each operating system. Ensure that your computer meets the required specifications to support this configuration.
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Use Cross-Browser Testing Tools
Test websites on multiple browsers to guarantee a seamless user experience for visitors. When testing websites on Safari without access to a Mac, utilizing cross-browser testing tools becomes a practical solution. These tools enable simultaneous testing of website performance and appearance across various browsers. This approach is cost-effective and particularly beneficial for evaluating website compatibility with Safari.
One can efficiently utilize specialized tools to assess cross-browser compatibility. This process enables the evaluation of a website’s appearance across various browsers and mobile devices.
If traditional emulators are inaccessible or not an option, cloud-based emulators can serve as a viable alternative. One notable benefit of utilizing cloud-based emulators over local emulators or physical devices is the capacity to automate unit testing for websites across multiple platforms.
Here are a few cross-browser testing tools:
LambdaTest
LambdaTest is an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform designed for running manual and automated tests at scale across over 3000+ real devices, browsers, and OS combinations.
As a scalable cloud grid, it stands out as one of the premier cross-browser testing tools, supporting various testing frameworks such as Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, Appium, Espresso, and XCUITest. Moreover, users can capture videos of complex bugs and easily share them through collaboration tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Furthermore, the platform facilitates accelerated testing processes through parallel testing capabilities. Users can conduct tests across multiple browsers within any desired OS environment.
The platform boasts a highly scalable cloud infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance. With a focus on security and reliability, it is designed to support automated cross-browser testing. Additionally, the platform offers fast execution speeds and automated screenshot generation.
Selenium Box
Selenium Box streamlines Selenium and Appium infrastructure for cross-browser web and mobile testing. It allows automated web and mobile tests to be run behind corporate firewalls and deployed on corporate servers or in a private cloud for Linux OS.
Selenium Box is tailored for enterprises, financial institutions, and healthcare providers with stringent security and data privacy requirements.
Key Features
- Offers high scalability to accommodate growing needs.
- Includes maintenance-free browsers that are pre-tested for functionality and compatibility.
- Seamlessly integrates with CI/CD environments to support continuous testing.
- Provides manual access to all browsers.
- Enables system usage tracking, integration with monitoring tools, and advanced test reporting.
BrowserShots
Browsershots is a comprehensive open-source online platform designed to facilitate developers in conducting tests to assess the compatibility of websites with various browsers.
Additionally, it offers the functionality to capture screenshots of web designs across multiple operating systems and browsers. Notably, Browsershots is a cost-free service, enabling users to efficiently evaluate the appearance of their websites across diverse browser environments.
How to Test Safari Browser on Windows?
Testing Safari Browser on Windows can present challenges due to its primary design for macOS and iOS platforms. However, there are several strategies you may explore to conduct Safari testing on a Windows system:
Remote Testing Services
Utilize remote testing services such as Sauce Labs, which provide access to virtual machines featuring a variety of operating systems and browsers, including Safari on macOS.
These services enable users to efficiently test Safari on authentic macOS environments directly from their Windows machines using a web browser interface.
macOS Mirtual Machines
Establish a macOS virtual machine (VM) on your Windows computer through virtualization software such as VMware or VirtualBox.
Subsequently, you can deploy Safari within the macOS VM for testing purposes, enabling you to conduct evaluations like those achievable within an authentic macOS environment.
Remote access to macOS Device
If you possess a physical macOS device, you can establish a remote connection from your Windows machine utilizing remote desktop software such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop.
Cross-Browser Testing Tools
Certain cross-browser testing tools, such as Sauce Labs, provide a feature known as “Interactive Testing.” This functionality enables users to remotely access and interact with Safari browsers running on authentic macOS devices from a Windows operating system.
Cloud-based test automation platforms
You can consider utilizing a cloud-based test automation platform such as Testsigma and LambdaTest, which offer access to authentic macOS environments equipped with Safari. This feature enables you to execute automated tests on Safari browsers without the necessity of having physical access to macOS devices.
Implementing user-agent switching tools effectively
To enhance the efficiency of user-agent switching tools for advanced mobile testing, select tools that provide a diverse array of user-agent options for accurately replicating different devices and browsers.
Moreover, it is essential to consistently update the user-agent database and stay abreast of the latest user-agent trends to uphold the pertinence and precision of the testing procedures.
Furthermore, developing a structured methodology for documenting and evaluating the outcomes derived from user-agent switching tools can yield significant findings regarding device compatibility and website performance on various platforms.
Through the adoption of such strategies, testers can optimize the effectiveness and dependability of their mobile testing processes.
Leveraging Cloud-Based Testing Platforms Smartly
Cloud-based testing platforms provide numerous benefits for contemporary development teams seeking to validate the quality and performance of their software applications.
Through cloud infrastructure, testing teams can utilize scalable resources and environments, facilitating the simultaneous execution of tests on numerous devices, browsers, and operating systems.
This adaptability enables thorough test coverage, aiding in identifying potential issues across diverse configurations and settings. Additionally, cloud-based testing platforms often provide automated testing capabilities, facilitating teams to execute test scripts efficiently and rapidly identify defects in the application code.
Employing Virtual Machines for Testing
Another efficient approach to enhance comprehensive testing across diverse environments is through virtual machines. Virtual machines offer a flexible and effective method for simulating different operating systems, browsers, and configurations to evaluate an application’s compatibility and functionality.
Through creating virtualized environments, development teams can replicate authentic conditions and conduct tests on various setups without requiring physical hardware or additional resources.
This method not only enhances the efficiency of the testing process but also enables thorough evaluations, guaranteeing the software’s functionality and user experience across a range of platforms.
Configuring Remote Testing Environments Accurately
It is crucial to outline rules and procedures concerning the setup and administration of remote testing environments to prevent configurations from deviating from their intended purposes.
Implementing a systematic approach that defines the required specifications, such as network settings, software versions, and device configurations, is essential for creating consistent testing environments.
Additionally, utilizing automation tools and scripts can help streamline the configuration process, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in deploying remote testing setups.
Regularly monitoring and updating these environments are crucial to maintaining their integrity and reliability for conducting thorough and reliable tests.
Running Cross-Browser Testing Smoothly
Achieving a seamless cross-browser testing process necessitates understanding the varied browser ecosystem and the complexities associated with testing on multiple platforms.
Emphasizing compatibility testing with prominent browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge is crucial for verifying the functionality and performance of web applications across diverse environments.
Utilizing a combination of manual testing and automated tools such as Selenium or LambdaTest can improve the effectiveness and precision of cross-browser testing. This approach allows developers to promptly detect and resolve compatibility issues.
Implementing practices such as keeping browsers and testing tools up to date, managing a library of test cases, and closely collaborating with QA teams are recommended to execute comprehensive cross-browser tests. By following these methods, developers can ensure the delivery of high-quality web experiences to users on various platforms.
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Conclusion
Utilizing creative strategies to simulate Safari on Windows for advanced mobile testing can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of web development projects.
By utilizing tools such as remote testing services, virtual machines, and browser emulators, developers can effectively replicate the Safari browsing experience on Windows platforms, guaranteeing smooth functionality and optimal performance across multiple devices.
Embracing these innovative methods enables comprehensive testing protocols and emphasizes the significance of precision in addressing diverse user preferences and technological environments.