Users of the iOS and iPad versions of Google Chrome can now place web apps on the device’s home screen. This function was introduced in the latest update to the application, version 115.0.5790.84. Users can add URLs or progressive web apps (PWAs) to their home screen by being on the desired website or web app and clicking on the share icon in the address bar. This new feature allows Chrome PWAs to stay within the Google ecosystem. Apple had previously introduced the ability to use web apps on the home screen with Safari in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 updates. These updates also provided new interfaces and push notifications for web apps. It was unclear whether this functionality would be available for external browsers, but Google Chrome continues to use Apple’s WebKit browser engine on iOS and iPadOS. However, as part of the Digital Market Act (DMA) of the European Union, Apple may be forced to open iOS and iPadOS to competing browser engines in the future. Google Chrome version 115.0.5790.130 also includes other new features such as partial text translation using Google Translator and access to the Google Lens function from the keyboard. The update also promises improved stability and performance of the browser.
