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A New Era for Google Chrome on iOS Devices
With the introduction of iOS 16.4, Apple has unleashed various innovative features for web applications, such as enabling push notifications and permitting third-party applications to add web apps to the home screen of iPhones and iPads. Google Chrome, the widely-used web browser, has jumped onto the bandwagon, launching a fresh update that allows users to pin their favorite websites to their iOS home screens.
Adding Web Apps to iPhone or iPad via Google Chrome is Now Possible
Industry analyst Chris Messina points out that the most recent Google Chrome update for iOS equips users to add web apps to the home screen. This shift implies that users can now bookmark a website for rapid access right from their home screen, sidestepping the need to abandon Chrome or resort to Safari. Until now, this feature had been exclusively available on Apple’s web browser.
The release notes of this week’s update state, “Users can now pin URLs or progressive web apps to their home screen.” Bear in mind this necessitates the most recent version of Google Chrome for iOS and a device operating on iOS 16.4 or later, given that earlier operating system versions lack this API.
Once a web app is pinned to your iOS home screen, you can launch and utilize it as if it were a conventional app, which implies no redirection to open it in Safari, Google Chrome, or any other web browser. As of iOS 16.4, these web apps can also give you push notifications, much like native apps.
Apple’s Endeavors in Web Applications and macOS Sonoma’s Capabilities
Apple’s strenuous efforts in finally accommodating web applications are evident. macOS Sonoma, currently in the beta phase and slated for official launch later this year, allows Mac users to save websites as web apps via Safari. Some interpret these changes as Apple’s strategy to sidestep allegations of anti-competitive behavior in the context of the App Store.
Here is a guide: How to use any website as a web app in macOS Sonoma.
Google Chrome for iOS: Availability and Updates
Google Chrome for iOS is accessible for free on the App Store and is compatible with iPhones and iPads. Users with the app installed should ensure they download the latest update to take advantage of the new features.
