Google will now let iOS users test a beta version of Chrome, as the company today quietly added support for the iPhone and iPad to its list of test platforms. Google's beta version of its mobile browser now comes with support for 3D Touch and a few other small tweaks, and the company will let you try it out using Apple's TestFlight developer tool. Apple acquired TestFlight, which lets app makers beta test apps without going through the App Store, through its purchase of a startup called Burstly last year.
Google launches Chrome beta for iOS with 3D Touch support
is a Senior Producer on Decoder. Previously, he reported on the technology and gaming industries for more than a decade.
To try Chrome beta for iOS, download and register for TestFight from the App Store. Then visit Google’s Chrome beta download website and simply tap the button that reads “download Chrome beta.” You’ll get a confirmation email and then you’ll have to wait until TestFlight sends you a notification signaling that the app is ready to download. The obvious benefit is 3D Touch support, which will let you hard-press on the Chrome home screen icon to open a new tab or launch voice search.
3D Touch support for launching new tabs and voice search
Google has long had developer channels for testing out software on Mac, Windows, and Android, but has not until today ever opened the avenue for iOS. Apple this week upped the limit on TestFlight from 1,000 to 2,000 users and doubled the testing period from 30 to 60 days. The company to the The Verge that those updated guidelines apply to all developers, including Google.
Update at 7:17PM, Friday, November 13: Added comment from Apple.
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