Google Chrome for iOS has embraced Apple’s latest capabilities for web apps introduced in iOS 16.4. With the latest update, users can now conveniently add their preferred websites to the Home Screen using Google Chrome, expanding the previous limitation that confined this feature to Apple’s Safari browser.
The recent update to Google Chrome for iOS incorporates an option, as highlighted by Chris Messina, allowing users to add web apps directly to the Home Screen. This enhancement enables users to save websites for quick access without leaving Chrome or resorting to Safari. Prior to this update, such functionality was solely available within Apple’s web browser.
According to the release notes of the recent update, users can now add URLs or Progressive Web Apps to their home screens. It is important to note that this feature necessitates the latest iteration of Google Chrome for iOS and an iOS device running version 16.4 or later, as earlier operating system versions lack this API.
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Once a web app is added to the iOS Home Screen, it can be accessed and utilized as a regular app, eliminating the need to open it through Safari, Google Chrome, or any other web browser. Additionally, starting from iOS 16.4, these web apps are capable of delivering push notifications akin to native applications.
Apple’s ongoing efforts to embrace web apps are evident, with macOS Sonoma, presently in beta software and set for an official release later this year, enabling Mac users to save websites as web apps via Safari. Some speculate that these advancements are aimed at mitigating allegations of anti-competitive practices concerning the App Store.
Google Chrome for iOS is available for free on the App Store and is compatible with both iPhone and iPad. Users are advised to download the latest update to gain access to the most recent features if they already have the app installed.