Google Just Added This Previously iOS-Exclusive Feature to Chrome for Android

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You would think that whenever Google releases new apps or features on only one platform at a time, it would choose Android over iOS. After all, the company makes Android too, so it'd only seem logical for Android users to get the first crack at new Google products. As it turns out, however, it's often the opposite. Google will sometimes release new features for some of its apps on iOS first, before bringing them over to Android. Back in April, for example, the company released "Edge Eloquent," an on-device AI transcription app, on Apple devices only.

Chrome for Android is getting a dedicated back button

Today, however, Google is bringing one of its previously iOS-exclusive Chrome features to Android. As highlighted by Android Authority, Google is now rolling out Chrome 150, which comes with a change for Android devices: a dedicated back button.

You'll notice the change after updating your Chrome for Android app, and opening the three-dot menu. Before, you'd only have the option to go forward a page in the Chrome app, and had to rely on Android's native back button or gesture. It's a small change, but one that makes Chrome for Android feel a bit more like Chrome for desktop, and will certainly be an easier adjustment for anyone switching to Android for the first time.

It's not clear why Google felt the need to bring the button over now, but I understand why it might have thought it didn't need to in the past. Unlike Android, iOS has no dedicated back button, so it makes sense that Google would add the back button to Chrome for iOS. And while users could get the same effect with Android's system-wide back button, it isn't necessarily the most intuitive experience in a browser, since you might not be sure whether you're going back a web page, or returning to the previous app you were using. This update might add a bit of redundancy to Chrome for Android, but I think it's for the better.

Other Chrome 150 changes for Android

You'll also notice the site info button (i) is no longer in the same row as the navigation buttons. Now, you'll find it in the overflow menu under "Site controls." "Add to home screen" is now "Install and create shortcut," which is far more vague in my opinion. If you're used to adding webpages to your home screen, I wouldn't be surprised if you simply thought Google took the feature away with this update.

Speaking of updating, your app may update automatically. But you can check manually by heading to Chrome's page in the Play Store. Alternatively, you can go to your profile in the Play Store, tap "Manage apps & device," then under "Updates available," choose "See details" to look for Chrome.