Skip to main content

It’s official: Chrome and Google Drive coming to iPhone and iPad

chrome on iphoneAfter a long wait, the Chrome browser is finally making its way to iOS. The app only recently launched for Android this past February – which considering it is Google’s home brew browser is fairly surprising – to some very loud applause. At the time, Google said that iOS compatibility was something it wanted to develop, but that’s as detailed as it got. Last month, there was some renewed speculation about Chrome for iOS, but no official word.

Chrome has become one of the most popular options for Android users and has been expertly optimized for the mobile experience, and iPhone and iPad users have been waiting in the wings for their shot with it. And now it’s here.

google i/o chromeSpecifics on the browser app are light, but Google showed off seamless transferring between devices. You’ll be able to begin a search on a PC and reference it on your iPhone or iPad without any action on your part aside from selecting from your recently opened tabs. And hitting the back or forward button will allow you return the original experience you starting way back when on your PC. You can use this function across as many devices as you like.

Google says Chrome for iOS will roll out later today. 

google drive for iosIn addition to the Chrome Browser, Google is also bringing Google Drive (formerly Google Docs) to iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad, as well as Google’s niche Chrome OS. The newest version of Drive allows for realtime collaboration on different documents across devices and platforms. Google Drive will also become the file system for Chrome OS. Offline editing for Google documents has also been added — a long requested feature. Once you are reconnected to the net, Google will resync the document. Offline support for presentations and spreadsheets will be added soon, according to representatives.

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15
A green iPhone 15 on a green bench.

Apple’s iPhone lineup continues to be among its bestselling products. In 2023, we got the iPhone 15, which packs some of Apple’s latest and greatest tech and starts at $800.

The iPhone 15 is one of the easiest iPhone recommendations in 2024. But if you're open to a few other suggestions, there are some great alternatives to consider — including cheaper iPhone options and some really compelling Android phones. Here are five other phones you should consider buying instead of the iPhone 15.
iPhone 14

Read more
How to find your lost phone (tips for iPhone and Android)
The Motorola Edge Plus 2023 lying next to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro.

Not knowing how to find your smartphone can cause a real panic when the need arises. It likely has way too much information about you, has access to your bank details and stock portfolio, and can grant access into pretty much any personal sphere of your life. Plus, you're likely addicted to your smartphone in ways that no device has ever addicted humankind before. In short, if you've lost your phone, you may start to panic.

Read more
iPhone 16: news, rumored price, release date, and more
A person holding the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

We're a few months removed from the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, so you know what that means: iPhone 16 rumors are in full force. Talk is heating up about everything from design leaks and rumored specs to camera changes and more.

Read more