safari 26, unexpected behaviour with compact tabs.

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safari 26, unexpected behaviour with compact tabs.

so my issue happens when I have Safari Settings > Tabs > Tab Layout set to "compact".

first, if I have a need to use the URL google search feature, I can only use a tab that is open to an empty page, or the start page. if there is already a web address in the tab, I cannot select that URL bar to use the google search feature. and as well, I cannot close tabs that are open to a website. the "x" button does not work.

also, I cannot "command-C" to copy the URL from a YouTube video so I can paste it elsewhere. specifically to my "YouTube to mp3" app and / or "4k video downloader +" app.

lastly, everything I have attempted to explain, and is apparently broken, it all works properly if I set "Tab Layout" to "Separate".

BTW, I have already restarted my Mac and retested. and also booted into safe mode, and still no luck.

iMac 27″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Sep 17, 2025 1:46 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

6x6

Level 6

19,227 points

Sep 17, 2025 4:33 PM in response to jeffreythefrog

It's a bug in Safari 26. I've observed the same on my end; so did other users. Please report it: Product Feedback - Apple.

To close the tab, you can always right-click it and choose Close. I have not solution for copying the URL.

Otherwise you may want to use the Separate layout until this issue is fixed.

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Answer 2

6x6

Level 6

19,227 points

Sep 17, 2025 5:36 PM in response to jeffreythefrog

Apple just published Safari 26.0.1 that corrects both issues (close and copy.)

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Answer 3

jeffreythefrog Author

Level 6

14,064 points

Sep 17, 2025 4:59 PM in response to jeffreythefrog

thanks for the reply. I usually don't participate in the safari discussions. before I posted, I looked through the macOS discussions. at the time, I didn't see any similar questions. then once someone asked this post be moved to safari category, it caused me to read a few of the questions here.

judging on what I read, you are correct that this appears to be a new bug in safari 26. thanks for taking the time to reply.

oh, and the copy url function still works properly with the tab layout set as separate. so even though I find separate to be somewhat clunky, I'll use it until and unless this is corrected.

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Answer 4

jeffreythefrog Author

Level 6

14,064 points

Sep 18, 2025 4:00 AM in response to 6x6

what a nice surprise. go to bed with a broken safari, and wake up to a solution. thank you 6x6 for providing the answer. I can't believe apple fixed it so quick.

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