No one expected this. Google has now responded to Apple’s stark warnings for all iPhone users to quit Chrome in its own inimitable style — coming after Safari users with a surprising update that skirts around Apple’s strict iPhone rules.
Chrome and Safari dominate the mobile browser market, with more than 90% global market share. Microsoft’s repeated warnings for Windows users to quit Chrome for Edge have fallen flat. But Safari is still the dominant browser on iPhone. Now Google wants to make it easier for all those users to change to Chrome.
As spotted by The Mac Observer, “Google is adding a new ‘Safari import’ option to move your info from Safari to Chrome on your iPhone. It uses a file you export from your settings. You can find this inside Chrome settings under ‘Safari import’. When you open it, Chrome does not just give you a button. It walks you through the steps clearly.”
This breaks Apple’s sandboxed iPhone architecture, where apps are separated from one another. And so Google has found a workaround. If you select Safari Import from Chrome’s settings, it tells you to do the following:
- Open Safari Settings
- Tap Export
- Choose the data that you want to export
- Tap Save to Downloads
- Return to Chrome to upload your file
You’re advised to delete the file when the import is complete — this contains passwords, browsing history, bookmarks and even credit card details, after all.
Chrome is an excellent browser — but Safari is a more private browser. iPhone users will need to decide their priorities. But it’s interesting given the Google and Apple frenemy relationship, with a mix of collaboration and competition in constant flux.
“Before this,” The Mac Observer notes, “moving to Chrome often meant starting over or using a computer. This new option added in Chrome 145 beta removes the hassle. You can now bring your data with you directly on your phone. We are expect Google to roll this out to everyone with Chrome 145 release.”
Google doesn’t leave anything to chance in the new update — even showing users exactly what data is moving across. Decide carefully.
