Google on Monday announced a significant usability and security update for professionals who use their mobile devices for both personal and professional tasks, which allows them to switch between work and personal Google accounts without needing to repeatedly sign in and out.
Previously, in order to access a different Google account, iOS users had to manually log out and back in.
The new feature simplifies account switching and clearly separates data between accounts.
“Chrome on iOS is now offering seamless account switching with data separation for managed accounts,” Google said in a blog post on Monday.
Privacy guaranteed
The updated configuration guarantees that browsing information, such as tabs, history, and passwords, stays within each account’s boundaries.
This benefits both users and IT administrators by keeping personal and organisational data on the same device separate for managed work accounts.
According to Google, the action is part of a larger trend in the workplace where many businesses are abandoning the practice of providing company-owned phones.
The update enables companies to more securely support a “bring your own device” model as employees depend more and more on their personal devices for work-related tasks.
Users will see an onboarding screen explaining how their company handles data and how account separation operates when they first log in or switch to a managed Google account on Chrome.
IT teams receive alerts when users enter a managed experience, allowing them to maintain control over the handling of pre-existing data.
Enterprise features
The update comes with more enterprise features. Now that Chrome’s security reporting features are accessible on iOS and Android, businesses can send important event data to external security systems or the Google Admin console.
Additionally, Google introduced URL filtering for iOS, allowing administrators to reroute users to authorised services and limit access to categories like generative AI tools that aren’t authorised.
The changes aim to enhance user experience and empower businesses, particularly in hybrid work environments.
Option to move address bar to bottom on Android
In June, Google officially introduced the option to move the Chrome address bar to the bottom of Android phone screens, a feature that aims to make browsing easier on large devices.
With many Android phones now sporting 6.8-inch or larger screens, reaching the top of the screen to access the address bar can be tricky.
Google explains, “Depending on the size of your hand and your device, one address bar position may feel more comfortable than the other. We designed this update to give you the flexibility to choose your preferred location, so you can browse with more ease.”
This change is beneficial for one-handed use, reducing the need to stretch fingers awkwardly to the top of the screen.
The feature brings Chrome in line with Safari on iOS, which added a similar option in 2021 after users complained about the address bar blocking content and being hard to reach.
Google has made it simple to switch the address bar position. Users can long-press the address bar and select “Move address bar to bottom” from the menu. Alternatively, they can go to Chrome’s Settings, tap “Address bar,” and choose the bottom position.
All related controls move along with the address bar, including the tab switcher and three-dot menu.
The bar also hides automatically when scrolling, just like at the top. If users prefer the traditional layout, they can easily switch back by repeating the same steps.
