In a significant development, Google may be working on introducing extension support to the Chrome browser app for Android. This move could potentially bridge the gap between the mobile and desktop versions of the browser, offering users a more comprehensive browsing experience.
Historically, Google has been hesitant to offer extension support on mobile versions of Chrome, with some reports suggesting that the company may be concerned about the impact of ad blockers, which are available as extensions. However, with the increasing demand for a more feature-rich mobile browsing experience, Google may be reevaluating its stance.
According to recent reports, Google is developing a new version of Chrome for Android, aimed at "desktop" devices like Chromebooks. This new version, dubbed "Desktop Android," is expected to support browser extensions, a feature that has been absent from the mobile version of Chrome. The introduction of Desktop Android is part of Google's broader effort to unify Chrome builds between Android and Chrome OS, with the ultimate goal of creating a common browser that works across multiple form factors.
The evidence suggests that Google is actively working on enabling extension support for the Chrome browser app on Android. A Google engineer working on the Chromium project has confirmed that Desktop Android has extensions support, and the company has been submitting patches for the project to the Chromium Gerrit. Furthermore, the fact that Desktop Android Chrome builds are compatible with devices that support Android OS indicates that Google may be laying the groundwork for a common Chrome browser that works across multiple devices.
The adoption of Manifest V3, a new extension platform that promises better security and performance, is also expected to play a significant role in Google's decision to introduce extension support on mobile. By supporting extensions on Android, Google can leverage the benefits of Manifest V3, including improved security and a more seamless browsing experience.
While Google has not made any official announcements regarding extension support for the Chrome browser app on Android, the evidence suggests that the company is moving in this direction. If implemented, this feature would significantly enhance the mobile browsing experience, offering users a more comprehensive and feature-rich browser that is on par with its desktop counterpart.
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