Collaborating on Safari Shared Tab Groups Using Messages

Apple's Safari browser allows multiple users to work together in real-time by sharing Tab Groups through the Messages app. This article provides a straightforward guide on the system requirements needed to get started, how to create and send a shared Tab Group invite on different devices, the ways participants can actively collaborate within the browser, and how to manage participant access.

System Requirements

Before sharing a Tab Group, the creator and all participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Devices must be updated to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, or later.
  • Every user must be signed in to their Apple ID with iCloud enabled.
  • Safari must be toggled on in the device's iCloud settings.
  • Two-factor authentication must be turned on for the Apple ID.

Sharing a Tab Group on iPhone and iPad

  1. Open the Safari app and tap the Tabs button (two overlapping squares).
  2. Tap the middle menu at the bottom of the screen to open the Tab Groups list.
  3. Select an existing Tab Group or tap New Empty Tab Group to create one.
  4. Open the desired Tab Group and tap the Share button in the top-right corner.
  5. Select the Messages app from the menu.
  6. Type the names of the recipients in the "To" field and press Send to dispatch the invitation.

Sharing a Tab Group on Mac

  1. Open Safari and click the Sidebar icon in the top-left toolbar.
  2. Create a new Tab Group or hover the cursor over an existing one in the sidebar.
  3. Click the More button (three dots inside a circle) next to the Tab Group name.
  4. Select Share Tab Group and choose Messages.
  5. Enter the contacts you wish to invite and click Send.

Collaborating in Real-Time

Once recipients receive the message, they simply tap or click the invitation link to open the Tab Group directly in their Safari browser. All participants have equal control over the workspace.

  • Adding and Closing Tabs: Any user can open new tabs, navigate to different web pages, or close existing tabs. Changes sync instantly across all connected devices.
  • Tracking Activity: The profile icons of active participants appear on the specific tabs they are currently viewing, allowing everyone to see where others are working.
  • Shared Bookmarks: Users can set a customized Start Page for the group, featuring shared favorites and a reading list that everyone can edit.
  • Communicating: Click or tap the Collaboration button (user icons with a green checkmark) in the Safari toolbar to immediately open the group Messages thread, or start a group audio or video FaceTime call without leaving the browser.

Managing Participants and Access

The creator of the Shared Tab Group maintains administrative control over who can access the workspace.

  1. Tap or click the Collaboration button in the Safari toolbar.
  2. Select Manage Shared Tab Group.
  3. To invite more users, choose Add People and send the new link via Messages.
  4. To revoke access for an individual, swipe left on a participant's name (iPhone/iPad) or click the three dots next to their name (Mac) and select Remove.
  5. To end the collaborative session for everyone, select Stop Sharing. Doing this deletes the Tab Group from all participants' devices while leaving the original intact for the creator.