Beam is a powerful, desktop-class browser built specifically for iPad. It brings sidebar-first browsing, spaces, pinned tabs and favourites, a fast command bar, full keyboard shortcuts, and fluid tab management that finally feels right on iPadOS. With built-in ad blocking, multiple search engines, and deep customisation, Beam is designed for power users who use their iPad as a real computer.
I'm Henrik, and I built Beam because I was frustrated with browsing on iPad.
The problem: Every iPad browser treats it like an oversized iPhone. They're fine for casual browsing, but fall apart when you're actually trying to work - research projects, deep work sessions, managing dozens of tabs across different contexts.
What Beam does differently:
Arc/Zen-style sidebar navigation with pinned tabs that have home URLs, folders for organising projects, and a persistent layout that doesn't reset every time you close the app.
Command bar (⌘T) for instant access to everything - open URLs, search history, switch tabs, trigger actions.
Keyboard-first design with comprehensive shortcuts. Because if you have a Magic Keyboard attached, you shouldn't have to reach for the screen constantly
Built-in ad blocking with multiple levels, so the web feels calmer by default.
Why I built it this way:
I'm a 16-year-old A-level student who spends a lot of time doing research and writing on iPad. I wanted Arc/Zen Browser's organisation model, but Arc Search on iPad is mobile-focused and limited. So I built what I needed.
This is indie software - no subscriptions, no data collection, just $4.99 one-time purchase.
What's next:
iPhone and Mac versions coming sometime this year. Early iPad adopters will likely get free upgrades when those launch.
I've had 250+ beta testers using this for months, and the feedback has been incredible. Happy to answer any questions!
My main struggle with iPadOS Safari is that it breaks complex web apps. I run Dashform (an AI form builder), and the builder interface relies heavily on drag-and-drop and complex scripts. Small question how 'desktop' is the rendering engine? Does Beam force the true desktop version of SaaS dashboards, or will I still get those annoying mobile-optimized views?
Hey everyone - thanks so much for the early support!
The app is currently finishing App Store review and will be available later today. I will update here with the download link as soon as it goes live.
Hey Product Hunt!
I'm Henrik, and I built Beam because I was frustrated with browsing on iPad.
The problem: Every iPad browser treats it like an oversized iPhone. They're fine for casual browsing, but fall apart when you're actually trying to work - research projects, deep work sessions, managing dozens of tabs across different contexts.
What Beam does differently:
Arc/Zen-style sidebar navigation with pinned tabs that have home URLs, folders for organising projects, and a persistent layout that doesn't reset every time you close the app.
Command bar (⌘T) for instant access to everything - open URLs, search history, switch tabs, trigger actions.
Keyboard-first design with comprehensive shortcuts. Because if you have a Magic Keyboard attached, you shouldn't have to reach for the screen constantly
Built-in ad blocking with multiple levels, so the web feels calmer by default.
Why I built it this way:
I'm a 16-year-old A-level student who spends a lot of time doing research and writing on iPad. I wanted Arc/Zen Browser's organisation model, but Arc Search on iPad is mobile-focused and limited. So I built what I needed.
This is indie software - no subscriptions, no data collection, just $4.99 one-time purchase.
What's next:
iPhone and Mac versions coming sometime this year. Early iPad adopters will likely get free upgrades when those launch.
I've had 250+ beta testers using this for months, and the feedback has been incredible. Happy to answer any questions!