A recent X leak claims that Google is testing a bottom bar feature in Chrome for Android, which might bring back the previously abandoned design experiment. This new feature, observed in Chrome Canary 124, will only be available for custom Chrome tabs launched through the Google app.
Google testing a limited functionality bottom bar for Chrome Android
Despite the lack of information on how this bottom bar would work because it is not yet operational, there are expectations that it would house specific options and buttons for Google Search activities. Discover, Search, and Saved could be some of the shortcuts provided on the bottom interface. Other popular choices may also be available such as Google Lens or additional search result options.
However, from what AndroidPolice has described, the bottom bar on Chrome for Android might have more limitations compared with the bottom navigation on Chrome for iOS. When “Chrome Home” and “Chrome Duplex” replaced fully-fledged bottom-based interfaces in Chrome for Android, experiments failed and eventually dropped in favor of older top-bar navigation.
Google might reintroduce the bottom bar functionality as part of its effort to make activities smoother. This way the Chrome app will become more user-friendly hence complementing its well-known navigation and accessibility across its ecosystem.
The feature will remain experimental, accessed through Chrome Flags
Chrome Canary (unstable) allows you to try the feature by visiting chrome://flags/#cct-google-bottom-bar. However, whether this trial will turn into a permanent thing remains unknown since similar designs have failed to gain grounds based on what Google made us believe. Any changes to design or features still under development are at risk of discarding before final release.
The same goes for recent experiments with a bottom bar in Chrome for Android. While many users have been commenting on this characteristic, it will take time to determine if it can remain a constant feature within any browser. If any additions go official too soon, it may cause issues.
