BUG Safari 17.1: Open new window instead of new tab

Question

BUG Safari 17.1: Open new window instead of new tab

Hello,

In Safari, there's an option that lets you open a page in a new TAB rather than in a new WINDOW.

This option brings up a warning message if you choose "Always" :

(sorry, my Safari is in french)

On Safari 17.0 and earlier version: no problem, it worked fine.

On Safari 17.1, links that require the window to be a particular size are no longer opened in a NEW TAB but in a NEW WINDOW, even if the "ALWAYS" option is activated.

This can be tested, for example, on this web page, which contains two "Open page in new window" links to test:

https://www.rapidtables.com/web/html/link/html-link-new-window.html

First link: open correctly in a new TAB (if ALWAYS is activated).

Second link: open in a NEW WINDOW (if ALWAYS is activated) --> should not be the case.

Do you know whether Safari 17.2 or 17.3 or higher will correct this problem?

Thank you very much,

Fly

PS: using MAC Mini M2. I kept the MacBook Air with Safari 17.0 which allowed me to see that it was working on 17.0 and not working anymore on 17.1 > I then updated MacBook Air to 17.1, the problem appeared.

Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Posted on Oct 31, 2023 3:53 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 9, 2023 6:51 AM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

It looks like the recommended approach is with the "Feedback Assistant" app, included with macOS (a Spotlight Search should find it for you, it's in a System folder).

Feedback Assistant is also on the web: https://feedbackassistant.apple.com/

There's also a more generic feedback form at https://www.apple.com/feedback/safari.html

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Answer 2

imazeno

Level 1

4 points

Mar 2, 2024 6:50 AM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

I find whether Safari has a regular window open in any of the visible Spaces affects the bevaviour for setting to open links in windows / tabs. If there is a Safari window on screen already, the setting works as it says for me.

In the opposite case, when I have a full-screen Safari in another Space, the link will always open in that window as a new tab, regardless of the setting.

Personally I want the new link to open in a separate window, but it sounds like using a full screen Safari windows might be to your liking.

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Answer 3

Nov 8, 2023 12:53 PM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

I see the same thing happening in our PSA app, AutoTask. With Safari v17, we could set the Safari setting to open all links in tabs, no windows. But now in v17.1 there are certain javascript links that now only open in a window even if the Safari setting is set properly. Even AutoTask has an option to force all tabs and v17.1 but it still doesn't work. I too am running a 2023 M2 Mac mini.

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Answer 4

phocean

Level 1

0 points

Jun 22, 2024 12:32 AM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

Still in 17.5, what a shame.

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Answer 5

Jun 30, 2024 9:36 AM in response to phocean

Hélas, indeed still the same issue :-(((

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Answer 6

Nov 8, 2023 1:48 AM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

Hello,

Just installed Sonoma 14.1.1 and problem is still there (opening in NEW WINDOW instead of NEW TAB).

But Safari is still in 17.1.

Could someone make the test, to know if I am alone or not ?

Many thanks,

Fly

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Answer 7

Feb 23, 2024 12:15 AM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

Same issue here. I'm currently on macOS 14.3.1 (23D60) and Safari 17.3.1 (19617.2.4.11.12) still not fixed. This driving me crazy. I already reported issue by Feedback Assistant (FB13284384) but without any reply.

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Answer 8

Nov 2, 2023 1:14 AM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

UP - Any idea pleaseeeeee ?

It's really annoying, I would like at least that someone does the same test than me, to let me know if I am alone with that problem or if it is reproductible...

Thanks,

Fly

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Answer 9

Nov 6, 2023 11:40 PM in response to LKBLKB

@LKBLKB lucky you are, you have the inverse behavior than I have ? You can't open webpage in new window but in new tab only ? On my side, it's the opposite.

Have you tried with the URL I mention, to make the test ?

https://www.rapidtables.com/web/html/link/html-link-new-window.html --> click on open new page, what's happening on your side ?

Thanks,

Fly

PS: here I have Sonoma 14.1 and Safari 17.1

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Answer 10

Nov 8, 2023 11:40 PM in response to smittyrocks

Many thanks @smittyrocks for confirming the issue, and also with a third party app which should force the window to open in tab.

So now, cross finger that it is read enough by MAC OS Dev and we get a debug version...

Any idea how to report a bug ?

Fly

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Answer 11

Oct 31, 2023 11:41 PM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

Any idea ? I am working on a MAC Mini M2 2023

Thanks,

Fly

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Answer 12

LKBLKB

Level 1

9 points

Nov 5, 2023 4:27 PM in response to Fly_PetitPrince

I have Sonoma 17.2 and cannot get Safari to open new web pages at all. No problems on Chrome and I'm about to totally abandon Safair. Someone please help with this!

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BUG Safari 17.1: Open new window instead of new tab

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