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Google releases a new version of Chrome every four weeks, and the trend continues with the stable release of Chrome 111 a month ago. Chrome 112 is now available as an early stable version, though it’s not yet widely available, some people are already receiving it on their phones and computers. Here’s everything you should know about it.
Chrome 112 spells the end for Chrome apps on desktop
Chrome apps were available before web apps, and could be downloaded from the Chrome web store along with browser extensions and themes. Google has phased out Chrome apps in favor of more standardized progressive web apps (PWAs), but has taken a cautious approach to prevent disrupting workflows, especially for enterprise users. However, with the release of Chrome 112, the grace period for desktop computers is over, and Chrome apps can no longer be installed by default.
If your company requires access to a Chrome app, it will still be feasible to enable a policy flag that allows Chrome apps to function for two additional releases. Beyond that point, transitioning is necessary. However, the grace period for Chrome apps on ChromeOS will persist until “at least January 2025.”
Chrome 112 gets a new onboarding experience on desktop
The most significant visual modification in Chrome 112 is likely to be visible only during the initial setup of your browser on a new device or when you add a new account to Chrome on your PC. The onboarding procedure now emphasizes signing in with your Google account, highlighting benefits such as synchronization, enhanced security, and data backups.
Currently, the streamlined process is only available to some users, but it will be made available to a wider audience in the future.
Chrome 112 preps a visual overhaul for the desktop version of the browser
By enabling the chrome://flags/#chrome-refresh-2023 flag in Chrome 112, you’ll get a preview of the more extensive redesign that Google has in store for its desktop browser. This will slightly increase the height of the address bar and introduce a blue background (rather than gray) at the top if no themes are enabled. Additionally, buttons and text fields will have a more rounded appearance, which is evident when you add a bookmark.
Chrome 112 adds further privacy settings for the Topics API on Android
Upon updating to Chrome 112, certain Android users may encounter a fresh splash screen introducing them to the Privacy Sandbox and Topics API, which Chrome is promoting as an alternative to third-party cookies. This screen includes a direct link to ad privacy settings, enabling you to restrict personalized ads from specific websites, as well as blocking topics you’d prefer not to see in ads.
Chrome 112 lets you turn off its custom share sheet on Android
Sharing content between apps using custom share sheets on Android can be awkward since each app has its own unique appearance and functionality. Although the system share sheet has its limitations, it provides a consistent experience across various apps. Chrome is addressing this issue by giving users the option to turn on or off its custom share sheet. By using the chrome://flags/#share-sheet-migration-android flag, you can disable the custom share sheet.
Chrome 112 might make web apps ever-so-slightly faster
Chrome is set to enhance the performance of web apps by selectively skipping the loading of certain features when they are not in use. To convert a website into a web app, service workers are typically required, which enable functionalities like caching and offline access. However, many web developers may not add these features to their sites, opting instead for empty or “no-op” fetch listeners. When Chrome detects that a web app solely consists of no-op fetch listeners, it will avoid loading service workers for that app.