Google has announced a new set of updates for its Chrome browser on iOS, offering enhanced functionality and convenience for users on iPhones and iPads.
The new features aim to make everyday tasks—such as searching with images, saving storage space, finding deals while shopping, and navigating maps—easier and more intuitive.
Here’s what’s new in Google Chrome for iOS:
1. Google Lens Now Combines Image and Text Search
Previously, users could only search using an image—either by snapping a photo or uploading one from their gallery. With this update, you can now refine your search by adding text to the image, allowing for more tailored results.
Google Lens can also provide an AI-generated overview of the most relevant information from across the web, ensuring that users get accurate and helpful results.
2. Free Up Storage by Saving Files and Images to Google Drive and Photos
Chrome on iOS now allows users to save files directly to Google Drive and images to Google Photos, making it easier to manage device storage.
When downloading a file from the web, users can now save it to a designated folder in Drive called “Saved from Chrome,” freeing up space on their devices. For images, a simple long press will offer the option to “Save in Google Photos,” ensuring that pictures are stored safely without cluttering up local storage.
3. Shopping Insights: Helping Users Find Better Deals
For avid shoppers in the U.S., Google has begun rolling out a new feature called “Shopping Insights” in Chrome on iOS, designed to help users find the best deals while browsing online.
When you’re looking at a product, Chrome will notify you with a “Good Deal Now” alert if relevant shopping data is available. By tapping this notification, users can access price histories, track prices, and explore alternative buying options—all directly from the Chrome browser.
To activate this feature, users must be signed into Chrome and enable the “Make Searches and Browsing Better” setting.
4. View Maps with One Tap on Addresses
Previously, users could already switch between Chrome and Google Maps, but now, tapping an underlined address in the browser will bring up a small map directly within Chrome, saving users time and clicks.
This feature is still being tested, but Google plans to roll it out more widely in the near future. It promises to simplify the browsing and navigation experience, allowing users to check locations without needing to open a separate app.
These features are now being rolled out to all Chrome users on iOS.
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