Google Chrome is gearing up to introduce a bottom-mounted address bar on iPhones.
The discovery, initially spotted by Steve Moser and detailed on The Tape Drive, highlights that Google Chrome is adding a feature that allows users to relocate the URL address bar (referred to as the “omnibox”) to the bottom of the iPhone screen. This mirrors the layout of Apple’s native browser. The implementation is flexible, featuring a new “address bar” setting that empowers users to decide whether they want the omnibox positioned at the top or bottom of the screen.
Interestingly, Chrome has supported a bottom-mounted toolbar since 2018 for iOS devices. A comparable design was tested on Android, but it never saw a full rollout.
At present, this feature requires two essential steps. First, users need to be part of the TestFlight updates for Google Chrome on iOS, granting them access to beta versions of the browser on iPhones and iPads. Second, a specific flag must be enabled. By entering “chrome://flags” into the address bar and searching for “bottom-omnibox-steady-state,” users can locate the relevant flag, which should then be set to “enabled.” After relaunching the browser, the feature will be activated. Subsequently, users can navigate to iOS settings, proceed to Chrome’s settings, and alter the address bar’s placement.
Given that this feature is still in beta and hidden behind a flag, its exact public release date remains uncertain. However, with its functionality looking quite advanced, it likely won’t be long before it becomes widely available.
Unfortunately, there’s currently no indication of a similar feature coming to Android devices.
