How To Install Safari On Linux: Step-By-Step Guide And Tutorial

Safari, despite its popularity and integration with Apple devices, has never been officially released for Linux. However, Linux users can still run Safari using compatibility layers like WINE and PlayOnLinux.

Prerequisites for Installing Safari on Linux

Before you begin, ensure your Linux system meets the following requirements:

Linux Distribution: You need to be running a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Fedora, or OpenSUSE.
Internet Connection: A working internet connection is necessary for downloading the required files.
WINE Installation: WINE is a compatibility layer that allows running Windows applications on Linux. It is crucial for installing Safari.

Installing WINE on Your Linux Distribution

WINE is available in most Linux package managers, but the version in the repositories might be outdated. Here’s how to install the latest stable version of WINE on various distributions:

Ubuntu

To install WINE on Ubuntu, follow these steps:

Add the WINE Key:

wget -nc https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key
sudo apt-key add winehq.key

Add the WINE Repository:

sudo apt-add-repository 'deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ impish main'

Replace impish with your Ubuntu version codename if different.

Update the System:
```
sudo apt update
```

Install WINE:

sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable

Debian

For Debian users, use the following command to install WINE:

sudo apt-get install wine64

Arch Linux

On Arch Linux, you can install WINE directly using:

sudo pacman -S wine

Fedora

For Fedora users, use the dnf command:

sudo dnf install wine

OpenSUSE

On OpenSUSE, use the zypper command:

sudo zypper install wine
```.

### Downloading and Installing Safari

Once WINE is installed, you can proceed to download and install Safari.

1. **Create a Download Directory**:
   ```bash
   mkdir -p ~/build/safari
   cd ~/build/safari

Download Safari:

wget http://appldnld.apple.com/Safari5/041-5487.20120509.INU8B/SafariSetup.exe

Launch Safari Setup:
```
wine SafariSetup.exe
```
You may be prompted to install additional software like Mono or Gecko. If prompted, click “Install” and wait for the installation to complete.

Using PlayOnLinux for a Graphical Interface

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can use PlayOnLinux, which provides a user-friendly interface for WINE.

Install PlayOnLinux:
```
sudo apt install playonlinux
```
Launch PlayOnLinux:
- Open PlayOnLinux from your Applications menu.
- Select “Install a program.”
- Enter “Safari” in the search bar.
- Select Safari and click “Install.”
- Read the disclaimer and click “Next -> Next” to proceed with the installation.

Launching Safari

After completing the installation, you can launch Safari using the following command:

wine Safari.exe

This will open the Safari browser, allowing you to use it on your Linux system.

Important Considerations

Version Limitation: The latest version of Safari available for Linux is Safari 5, which is an older version. This may lead to compatibility issues with modern websites.
Additional Software: You may need to install additional software like Mono or Gecko during the installation process. Follow the prompts to complete these installations.

Troubleshooting Tips

Outdated WINE Version: Ensure you are using the latest stable version of WINE to avoid compatibility issues.
Dependency Issues: If you encounter issues during installation, check if all dependencies are installed. Sometimes, additional software like Mono or Gecko is required.
Performance: Since Safari is running through a compatibility layer, performance might not be optimal compared to native applications.

By following these steps, you can successfully install and run Safari on your Linux system, even though it is not officially supported. This method allows web developers and users to test and use Safari in a Linux environment, albeit with some limitations.