So you're sick of Safari ...

It's easy to change your iPhone's default web browser if you so desire.

Author

Lewis Wallace
April 02, 2025

In partnership with

I resisted using Safari on my iPhone for a long time, mostly because some of the tools we use to produce Cult of Mac and The CultCast only work with Chrome. (Such is the state of web publishing and podcasting.)

I also preferred Chrome to Safari. It just seemed better all around.

However, I’ve changed my tune after trying out Safari features such as Reader mode and the recently added Hide Distracting Items. (Want to see all the cool features Apple added to Safari in iOS 18? We’ve got a roundup for that.)

All that stuff means I don’t need today’s updated how-to, which shows you how to switch your iPhone’s default web browser from Safari to a third-party alternative.

But maybe you do need this info. It turns out there are some good reasons why you might want to ditch Safari (syncing with Windows/Android, getting a more customizable user interface, or even beefing up security or privacy beyond Apple’s already high bar).

Find out how easy it is to switch your iPhone’s default browser in today’s updated how-to (or our video walkthrough).

Also in today’s newsletter:

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

A message from Ryse

Apple's New Smart Display Confirms What This Startup Knew All Along

Apple has entered the smart home race with its new Smart Display, firing a $158B signal that connected homes are the future.

When Apple moves in, it doesn’t just join the market — it transforms it.

One company has been quietly preparing for this moment.

Their smart shade technology already works across every major platform, perfectly positioned to capture the wave of new consumers Apple will bring.

While others scramble to catch up, this startup is already shifting production from China to its new facility in the Philippines — built for speed and ready to meet surging demand as Apple’s marketing machine drives mass adoption.

With 200% year-over-year growth and distribution in over 120 Best Buy locations, this company isn’t just ready for Apple’s push — they’re set to thrive from it.

Shares in this tech company are open at just $1.90.

Apple’s move is accelerating the entire sector. Don’t miss this window.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Email may contain forward-looking statements. See US Offering for details. Informational purposes only.

How to change the default web browser on iPhone or iPad

You can change the default browser on your iPhone if you’d rather use Chrome, Firefox, Edge or any other alternative.

watchOS 11.4 is out ... for real this time

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Apple delays AirPods Max lossless audio update [Updated]

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A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

iPad 11 drops to lowest price yet

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Perfect your setup with hot deals on Logitech gear

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‘Fountain of Youth’ wants to be the next ‘Indiana Jones’ [Apple TV+ trailer]

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Meta gears up to launch futuristic smart glasses with display and hand gestures

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A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Discount code: Get a versatile iPhone scanning app for $24.99 (works with iPad, too)

This powerful scanning app offers loads of features at a low price. Turn your iPhone or iPad into a full-service scanner with iScanner.

Shield up to 5 devices from the evil internet with McAfee Total Protection

An all-in-one antivirus, VPN, text scam blocker and more, McAfee Total Protection wins awards for its complete digital protection.

Another easy way for 2 laptops to share 1 display [Setups]

A dual vertical laptop stand provides a simple fix for a widespread problem -- switching between laptops on a shared display.

Visa wants to power Apple Card's next chapter

Visa and American Express are competing to become Apple Card's issuing network, with Visa reportedly offering Apple $100 million upfront.

Today in Apple history: Microsoft's first hardware debuts ... on the Apple II

On April 2, 1979, Microsoft released its first hardware, a microprocessor card called the Z-80 SoftCard that plugged into the Apple II.

Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

Buckle up. Got something totally new for you now. What is this? It's a totally new application. It's called Safari, and it is a turbo browser for Mac OS X. We have done our own browser, and it's hot.

— Steve Jobs, 2003.

Today’s poll

Would you wear Apple smart glasses?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: How interested are you in Apple Watch getting a glucose monitor?

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