Safari - stop links from opening apps?

[Brien]

Is there any way to prevent Safari from opening apps when I click on a link? So far the only way I’ve found is to uninstall the app.

 

[chabig]

Well don't click the link! Clicking the link is asking the machine to do something. What alternative behavior would you prefer?

 

[Brien]

Huh? I think you are misunderstanding me. Safari links are opening the app (Yelp, Target etc.) instead of the website.

 

[chabig]

I searched the web and I think that behavior is specifically coded by app developers. So for example, a Target app registers itself with the OS so links open inside the target app. Developers like that because the links then open in their cafefully crafted iOS app rather than a hard to read web page or a crappy mobile web page. I don't think you can disable the behavior.

 

[mattguy10]

Is there any way to prevent Safari from opening apps when I click on a link? So far the only way I’ve found is to uninstall the app.

You can lightly press and hold on the link (not 3D Touch if you have a device that has it) and a menu should pop up with an “Open in New Tab” option. This will open a new tab in Safari and shouldn’t bring you to another app instead.

 

[Brien]

Thanks! +10 internets for you.

 

[Brien]

You can lightly press and hold on the link (not 3D Touch if you have a device that has it) and a menu should pop up with an “Open in New Tab” option. This will open a new tab in Safari and shouldn’t bring you to another app instead.

This seems to no longer work in iOS 12, FWIW. (Thread necro, sorry!)

 

[mattguy10]

This seems to no longer work in iOS 12, FWIW. (Thread necro, sorry!)

Still works fine for me on iOS 12.1