Google Chrome is exploring a feature that would allow users on iOS to position the address bar at the bottom of their screens.
This potential modification follows Apple’s move, nearly two years ago, to reposition Safari’s tab bar to the bottom in its iOS 15 update.
This development in Chrome was initially spotted by iOS developer Steve Moser in the TestFlight version of the browser. Although optional, users can adjust the address bar’s position via Settings > Address Bar in this test version.
Those unable to find this option can activate it by turning on the “chrome://flags/#bottom-omnibox-steady-state” flag.
Meanwhile, Safari has permitted users to alter the tab position through its settings for the past two years, making the bottom-placed address bar the standard.
While this update in Chrome has not been made available to everyone, it’s expected to aid those alternating between both browsers by offering a consistent look.
Furthermore, address bars at the bottom are more user-friendly for single-handed use on larger devices.
Earlier this month, Google unveiled plans to launch more Chrome updates for both mobile and desktop versions, with the updates geared towards improving efficiency and connectivity.
The mobile updates are mainly designed to refine your search experience, while the desktop version of Chrome is modifying the process of downloading and accessing files from the internet.
A newly designed webpage on Chrome mobile will display a “Trending searches” category, and suggestions have been increased from six to ten as you begin typing.
In a similar manner, if you’re browsing a site related to, say, the best pizzerias in New York and click on the URL at the top, a “Related to this page” category will appear beneath it, providing related search queries.