Yes, safari will detect the *.ipa and will try to install it, but the ipa needs to be correctly sign and only allowed devices would be able to install it.

http://www.diawi.com is a service that will help you with this process.

All of this is for Ad-hoc distribution and not for production apps.

You can use AppBox, A mac application that uses your Dropbox account to distribute you ad-hoc and enterprise apps, if you want to install form any other browser.

https://github.com/vineetchoudhary/AppBox-iOSAppsWirelessInstallation/releases

1 How to use AppBox

1. Link your Dropbox account with AppBox.
2. Select and upload the iOS application "OR" select project/workspace to archive and upload the iOS application.
3. Send the link to your testers, clients, friends or even use it yourself.
4. Open the link in the browser on the device and click on install.

2. Feature

• 📅 Uploaded App Expiration - Never expires. Until you delete from your Dropbox
• ✨ Unlimited app installations
• 🔥 Auto Restart Upload After Network Change or Failure
• 🔗 Keep same installation link for the same app
• 🖇️ Install previous version with same installation link
• ✉️ Auto E-Mail App Distribution Link
• 📦 Maximum Upload Size - Equal to your Dropbox account storage
• 🔑 Auto App Signing
• 🚀 Auto Upload on Dropbox or AppStore after Archive
• 🔌 Auto Shutdown Mac after Distribution
• 🎩 Easy setup assistant to get started in a few minutes
• 🔧 Slack, Microsoft Teams and Hangout Chat Webhook Integration
• 😘 Dashboard
• 🚀 Fastlane support read more
• 🚢 Jenkins Support read more
• 🕶️ Dark Theme

3. AppBox vs Diawi

4. Screenshot

Upload IPA

Share URL

Dashboard

Give it a try from anyone of these link:
- https://getappbox.com/download
- https://github.com/vineetchoudhary/AppBox-iOSAppsWirelessInstallation/releases

https://testflightapp.com/ is a good way to do this. It has its quirks, but overall I find it very useful.