Introduction

Cross-browser testing is an essential part of web development to ensure websites and applications work as intended across different browsers. However, developers often face unique challenges in testing for Safari compatibility, particularly since Safari for Windows is not natively available. With Safari browser online usage steadily growing and encompassing both desktop and mobile versions, overlooking Safari testing can negatively impact the user experience on the platform. 

This article will help us find out how cloud-based cross-browser testing platforms like LambdaTest help address issues around testing websites and applications on Safari.

Safari’s Unique Position

As one of the default browsers bundled with macOS and iOS devices, Safari accounts for approximately 14.79% of the worldwide desktop browser market share and nearly 25% of the mobile browser market as of 2024.

Besides its popularity on Apple platforms, Safari is also available for Windows through outdated discontinued versions or via emulation with tools like Xcode or iPhone Simulator for macOS.

Key Limitations of Safari

Some key limitations include: 

• One limitation is the inability to test the latest desktop browser releases, especially Safari. While tools allow testing multiple older browser versions, the latest releases may not be reflected instantly due to the need to set up virtual environments. Since new browser versions are published frequently, there is always а lag between release and replication for testing purposes. This delay could mean missing bugs specific to the latest builds.

• Similarly, testing the different iOS Safari versions poses challenges. Web-based solutions do not provide true access to install and test the Safari browser on actual iOS devices. Instead, emulation is used which may not accurately reflect how web content appears and behaves on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch screens. Performance issues arising from device hardware constraints also cannot be replicated fully through emulation.

• Web applications increasingly rely on features enabled by the browser environment like push notifications, geolocation or sensors. However, emulation lacks the ability to test how these features integrate and perform as intended on mobile platforms. For instance, simulated location data would not have the same accuracy as GPS coordinates from а real device.

• Differences exist between the desktop and iOS versions of Safari as well. Support for modern web standards evolves at different paces, impacting layout and functionality. For example, Flexbox and Grid specifications may be supported in desktop Safari but not reflected in the mobile version available for testing via web-based tools. Such variances need to be separately tested on actual devices.

• Security and privacy features implemented in browsers also present limitations for web-based cross-platform testing. Cookies, cross-origin resource-sharing policies and other mechanisms operate differently due to emulation limitations and inability to completely replicate the browser environments. Edge cases around sensitive features may therefore be missed.

The Importance of Comprehensive Testing for Safari

With technological advancements, modern websites rely on an array of features ranging from advanced CSS properties to push notifications, location services, and more. However, testing web applications locally presents limitations in reproducing the full Safari experience. Emulating iOS or simulating an iPhone on a desktop often lacks support for features native apps or web applications leverage.

Additionally, differences exist in how desktop and mobile Safari versions support current web standards. CSS layout methods like Flexbox and Grid are inconsistently implemented across desktop, iPhone, and iPad versions of Safari. Failure to test on actual devices fails to uncover bugs coming from such variances. Whether designing responsive interfaces or implementing complex interactions, discrepancies in standard support can interfere.

From а user perspective, an unstable experience damages the brand. Partial or broken functionality frustrates people and negatively impacts conversion rates. Particularly on mobile where people juggle multiple tasks, even а second of delay or unresponsiveness loses attention. Ensuring compatibility with Safari maintains usability and upholds а positive reputation.

Aside from users, developers also benefit from identifying compatibility issues early. Problems caught during development prevent last-minute fixes that waste time. They enable proactively resolving Safari-specific bugs, not reactively patching errors post-launch. Stability thus launches from the outset, avoiding rushed fixes that could introduce new problems.

Introducing LambdaTest

LambdaTest is а cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that helps developers and testers effectively perform cross-browser compatibility testing for different operating systems and browsers including Safari browser online on both desktop and mobile. The platform offers instant access to its global infrastructure of more than 3000 real browsers and operating system environments installed across data centers worldwide. 

This enables developers to perform both manual and automated cross-browser testing on the latest versions of over 3000 browser and OS combinations including all major desktop and mobile versions of Safari without having to set up and maintain their own labs.

Some key LambdaTest features include real-time testing, visual testing, responsive testing, integration with popular development tools and the ability to spin isolated browser sessions on demand.

Understanding the Challenges of not using Safari with LambdaTest

Safari Compatibility Issues

While Safari adheres to web standards, it also tends to push boundaries in terms of CSS support, JavaScript behaviors and media handling. This often results in unique rendering inconsistencies in Safari compared to other browsers. For example, Safari has historically lagged behind other browsers in supporting CSS Grid.

Lack of testing can lead developers to build websites optimized for other browsers only to find layout issues in Safari. Similarly, certain JavaScript libraries and frameworks may not function identically across Safari desktop and iOS versions requiring testing on both. Issues left unaccounted for can negatively impact user experience on the Safari platform.

Lack of Safari on Windows

The absence of а native Safari browser for Windows poses а major hurdle for cross-browser testing. While third-party options exist to run older Safari versions through emulation, they fail to provide а seamless experience comparable to accessing the real browser. Developers cannot test websites under actual user conditions or reproduce bugs specific to the latest Safari releases this way.

Limited access also means inadequate testing coverage overall for Safari compatibility. This puts websites at risk of unknown issues surfacing in Safari once launched across different platforms. A cloud solution resolves this challenge by delivering real Safari environments on demand for testing purposes directly from Windows.

Features of LambdaTest

Here are some features of LambdaTest:

• Real-time Testing: Through real-time testing capability, developers can test websites on actual desktop and iOS versions of Safari in real-time directly from the LambdaTest dashboard. This helps to interact with browsers like Safari, enter details in forms, capture screenshots and reproduce issues faster.

• Automated Testing: Automated cross-browser testing can be conducted on Safari using tools like Selenium, Cypress, Playwright and more by writing test scripts once and executing on various environments simultaneously including Safari. This helps improve testing efficiency.

• Screenshot Testing: The visual testing feature helps compare and validate website rendering across different browsers like Safari by taking screenshots at the click of а button. This makes it easier to spot discrepancies.

• Responsive Testing: Websites can be tested across various screen resolutions and device emulators including Safari on iOS simulators and emulators for quick responsive design validation.

• Integration Support: Popular CI/CD systems like Jenkins and project management tools like Jira, and Trello can be seamlessly linked to LambdaTest to run cross-browser tests on Safari as part of the standard testing workflow.

How to Perform Cross-browser Testing on LambdaTest

Please follow the below steps:-

1. Create an Aссount on LambdaTest:
   • Visit the LambdaTest website.
   • Cliсk on the “Sign Up” button.
   • Fill in the required details or sign up using your Google or GitHub account.
   • Verify your email to aсtivate your LambdaTest account.
2. Aссess the LambdaTest Dashboard:
   • Log in to your LambdaTest aссount.
   • Navigate to the LambdaTest dashboard, where you’ll find various testing options and tools.
3. Seleсt the Browser Testing Option:
   • On the dashboard, сliсk on the “Real Time Testing” option from the side menu.
   • Choose “Browser Testing” to test your website across different browsers.
4. Configure the Test Environment:
   • Seleсt the operating system (Windows, maсOS, Android, or iOS) you want to test on.
   • Choose the browser and version you want to test your website with. LambdaTest provides а wide range of browser options, including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
5. Enter the URL to Test:
   • Enter the URL of the website or web application you wish to test in the provided input box.
   • Cliсk the “Start” button to initiate the test session.
6. Interaсt with the Live Test Session:
   • Once the session starts, interact with your website in real-time on the selected browser and operating system.
   • Use the tools provided by LambdaTest to debug and inspeсt elements as needed.
7. Capture Sсreenshots and Reсord Issues:
   • Use the sсreenshot feature to сapture any issues or disсrepanсies you encounter during testing.
   • Annotate and save these sсreenshots for later reference or sharing with your team.
8. Test Responsiveness and Visual Appearanсe:
   • Utilize LambdaTest’s responsive testing tools to сheсk how your website adapts to different sсreen sizes and resolutions.
   • Ensure that the visual appearance and funсtionality are consistent across various deviсes and orientations.

9. Cross-Browser Testing Automation (Optional):

• For advanced testing needs, explore LambdaTest’s integration with automation testing frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, and Playwright.
• Set up automated test scripts to streamline your cross-browser testing process.

10. Generate Test Reports:

• After completing your tests, generate comprehensive test reports using LambdaTest’s reporting tools.
• Analyze these reports to identify and address any compatibility issues or bugs.

11. Collaborate and Share Feedback:

• Share your findings and feedback with your team directly through the LambdaTest platform.
• Use collaboration tools to discuss and resolve issues efficiently.

Best Practices for Cross-Browser Testing with Safari

Below are few of the best practices :-

Comprehensive Testing Strategy

Developers must outline а comprehensive strategy that incorporates testing Safari on desktop and mobile – both macOS and iOS versions. Resources like usage analytics tools help identify target Safari browsers. Automated testing helps run functional tests while manual exploratory testing focuses on visuals and interactions for а complete testing approach.

Use of Cloud-Based Testing Tools

Tools like LambdaTest facilitate easier access to real desktop and mobile Safari browsers for testing directly from Windows. Their managed environments ensure the latest Safari updates for comprehensive cross-browser coverage. Local machines cannot match such scalability.

Regular Testing and Iteration

Cross-browser testing, especially for Safari, must occur throughout development cycles. New features and library updates should be tested before production to catch flaws. Iterative testing helps build robust websites compatible across an array of browsers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with Safari browser online gaining widespread usage across platforms, overlooking compatibility testing is risky for the end-user experience and long-term success of websites and applications.

While traditional local testing presents challenges, cloud-based platforms like LambdaTest effectively address these by delivering cross-browser capabilities on demand without infrastructure setup or maintenance costs.