Google Has Added This Feature, Previously Available Only on IOS, to Chrome for Android.
It would seem that whenever Google releases new apps or features for only one platform at a time, it should prioritize Android over iOS. After all, the company also develops Android, so it would be logical for Android users to have access to new Google products first. However, as it turns out, the opposite is often true. Google sometimes releases new features for some of its iOS apps first before bringing them to Android. For example, in April , the company released Edge Eloquent, an AI-powered transcription app designed exclusively for Apple devices.
Chrome for Android will get a dedicated back button.
Today, however, Google is bringing one of its previously iOS-exclusive Chrome features to Android. As Android Authority reports , Google is releasing Chrome 150, which includes a change for Android devices: a dedicated Back button.
You’ll notice a change after updating the Chrome app for Android and opening the three-dot menu. Previously, the Chrome app only allowed you to navigate to the next page, requiring you to use the built-in back button or Android gestures. This is a small change, but it makes Chrome for Android a bit more similar to Chrome on desktop and will certainly make it easier for those new to Android to adapt.
It’s unclear why Google felt the need to add this button now, but I can see why they might have considered it unnecessary before. Unlike Android, iOS doesn’t have a dedicated Back button, so it makes sense that Google added it to Chrome for iOS. While users could achieve the same effect with Android’s system-wide Back button, it’s not necessarily the most intuitive browser experience, as you might not be sure whether you’re returning to the previous web page or the previous app you were using. This update may add some redundancy to Chrome for Android, but I think it’s for the better.
Other changes in Chrome 150 for Android
You’ll also notice that the site information button (i) is no longer in the same row as the navigation buttons. You’ll now find it in an overflow menu under “Manage Site.” The “Add to Home Screen” button is now called “Install and Create Shortcut,” which, in my opinion, is much less intuitive. If you’re used to adding webpages to your home screen, I wouldn’t be surprised if you simply assumed Google removed that feature with this update.
Regarding updates, your app may update automatically. However, you can check manually by going to the Chrome page in the Play Store. You can also go to your Play Store profile, tap “Manage apps & device,” then under “Available updates,” select “View details,” and find Chrome.