To make extensions for iOS Safari, you need to follow a structured approach as outlined in the available resources.
Create a Containing Native Application: You must build an iOS app that serves as a container for your Safari extension. Unlike Chrome, you cannot upload a Safari extension independently; it requires a full app that goes through the App Store review process[5].
Set Up Your Project: In Xcode, you can create a new project using the Safari Extension App template or add a Safari Extension target to an existing project. This setup will include essential files such as SafariWebExtensionHandler.swift
, which connects your native app to the extension's JavaScript code[5].
Manage Resources: Place your extension's source code in the Resources/ folder in Xcode. For effective file management, prefer using folder references over groups to ensure that new files added to your directory automatically reflect in Xcode[5].
Develop and Test Your Extension: Implement your extension’s functionality in JavaScript. Use the NSExtensionRequestHandling
protocol to handle messages between your native app and JavaScript code. You will need to ensure appropriate permissions are granted in your extension's manifest[6].
Memory Management: Be aware of iOS's strict memory limits; as of iOS 15.0, the memory limit for a Safari Extension is 6 MB, which is mainly for Swift code in your extension[5].
Debugging Tools: To debug your extension's JavaScript, you can enable the Develop menu in Safari to access the web inspector, which helps inspect and debug the JavaScript running in your extension[5].
Preparation for Production: Before submitting your extension, make sure to build for production to optimize code size and performance. This involves running scripts to build your extension correctly when archiving your app[5].
By following these guidelines, you can successfully create and manage a Safari extension for iOS.
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