I do not want a new tab to be added every time I open a new link. Instead I want it to replace the current tab. What setting do I need to adjust? I have tried turning “Open New Tabs in Background” on and off, but it does not stop the automatic addition of new tabs.
iPad, 15
Hi William,
We understand you'd like to be able to open links in Safari while replacing the progress of the current tabs you're on. When opening a new link outside of Safari, it is expected behavior for a new tab to be created. If this is occurring when you're currently on a website, you'll want to note that some websites may have settings to ensure their content opens in a new window.
The Safari settings you had mentioned only refers to when you hold down on a link or tap it with two fingers to open it. Choosing the options Open in New Tab or Open New Tabs in Background will both result in links opening in a new tab. The only difference is whether the it'll open the link without redirecting you on the spot.
For reference: Use tabs in Safari on iPad
As there are no other options available at this time, we'd recommend leaving feedback about this directly to Apple here: Product Feedback
Take care.
iPad iOS 15.1: How to stop new tabs from being added in Safari
