iOS 26.3.1 Safari does not respond to layout changes & is stuck on compact view.

Question

iOS 26.3.1 Safari does not respond to layout changes & is stuck on compact view.

I've got an iPhone 16, just under a year old. This started when I updated to iOS 26 - further software updates would fix the problem for a few hours, but then the same thing happened: safari stuck on compact layout, and will not respond to layout changes in settings. I've tried quitting out of safari, erasing all the browser data (including open tabs), and also a hard restart on many occasions. I know lots of other people have this problem - what's it all about, and is there a permanent fix. I've also tried requesting desktop versions of websites. I'd like my tabs back on top!

iPhone 16

Posted on Mar 7, 2026 2:06 AM

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Answer 1

Cypher96

Level 1

19 points

Mar 14, 2026 11:13 AM in response to Timbosplice

Apple have just confirmed that there is no fix for this as it will always stay at the bottom

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Answer 2

Mar 10, 2026 3:18 PM in response to jochemrosecroft

Same here, none of the settings I change take effect in safari. I’ve tried everything including multiple factory resets and talking to support on the phone for two hours. They told me just to wait until the next update and it would be fixed, that was two updates ago. Every time I update it works for a couple hours then reverts back. Waiting to decide if this is the last straw or not and move to an Android phone. I would have already but I’ve had an iPhone since the 3g first came out, but enough is enough, I pay too much for this stuff for it not to work. And they do not care.

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

158,126 points

Mar 14, 2026 7:12 PM in response to Cypher96

Apple is wrong. Shocking, I know.

Safari search bar fixed at bottom in iOS 26.3.1?

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iOS 26.3.1 Safari does not respond to layout changes & is stuck on compact view.

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