Safari on the iPhone: what is behind the experimental web kit functions

In this article we will explain the importance of the most important experimental WebKit functions for Safari on iPhone and iPad.

This is WebKit - experimental functions for Safari

WebKit is the browser engine for Apple's Safari browser. It is being developed as an open source by Apple and a large community. In this way, current developments can also be followed and experimental functions can be tested.

• Unlike on the Mac, no previews for iOS are offered, but the experimental functions of the WebKit can still be activated.
• The functions can especially help web developers to update their programs.
• Functions of the preview will probably be published in future releases and are therefore very interesting as a guide for WebKit and Safari.
• You can find the WebKit functions in the iOS settings under "Safari". Scroll down and select "Advanced". There you will find the "Experimental Features".

Special functions of the WebKit for iOS

The mobile browser Safari has functions such as Link Preload, a Web Animations Api or the WebGPU API under iPhone and iPad. In addition, certain functions such as Constant Properties or Viewport Fit can be deactivated or activated on the iPhone X. There are certainly many different functions, but some may be particularly interesting.

• There are currently 151 functions (as of December 2019).
• Some of them are still under development and others are already out of date. Most are supported, however.

Integration and use of media

WebKit, for example, offers many new functions that will facilitate the integration of media in the future or should make it possible.

• With Web Audio you can process and generate music using Javascript. However, this function is only partially supported.
• With Web Bluetooth, you can discover and communicate with Bluetooth devices through Safari.
• With SVG in OpenType Fonts, you can use scalable vector graphics in fonts, which allows, for example, the flexible use of symbols.
• With the preload function, you can preload resources, i.e. preview an image or preview a video.
• With the MediaStream Recording API you can record music and video from media streams. However, this API is still under development.

Presentation and input control

WebKit for Safari also offers some exciting features for control on the iPhone:

• Pointer Lock can be used to read out data from the controller and the display of a controller is removed for certain objects. This can increase the security of certain actions and clicks.
• The Pointer Events Level 2, which is currently being developed, gives you access to the processing of pointer input on the touchscreen or pen.
• With the interaction media features (pointer, hover, any-pointer, any-hover) you can define elements in pages so that they change when pointing or moving over.
• You can use the gamepad API to store commands for controllers.