As part of the latest Google Chrome update on iOS, all users can now lock Incognito tabs behind Face ID. It was first made available to beta users back in February, but details on the feature have remained pretty quiet in the months since then. It's something that a lot of people could likely benefit from, so having it locked behind the beta version was less than ideal.
This is especially true considering just how good the Chrome iOS app really is. Although Safari is the built-in browser for iPhone/iPad and has a lot to offer, there are some things that Chrome just does better. Chrome offers easier access to Google account settings, syncs with the Chrome desktop browser, has better tab management, and includes a few helpful home screen widgets. That's not to say Safari is completely unusable or anything, but it's also understandable why some iOS users prefer what Chrome brings to the table.
Thanks to the Chrome version 92 update available now in the App Store, that sentiment likely isn't changing any time soon. As spotted by MacRumors, this latest update allows all users to lock Incognito tabs behind Face ID. This also works with Touch ID and a passcode, with the ultimate idea being to make Incognito tabs more private than they are by default. This is something Safari doesn't currently have in iOS 14, and no such feature seems to be coming with iOS 15 later this fall — giving Chrome yet another edge over Apple's browser.
How To Use Face ID Incognito Tabs In Chrome
To enable Face ID locking for Incognito Chrome tabs, doing so is quite easy. Open the Chrome app on an iPhone or iPad, tap the three dots on the bottom right corner, tap 'Settings,' tap 'Privacy,' and then tap 'Lock Incognito tabs.' Once enabled, any Incognito tabs can only be viewed after the iPhone/iPad has been authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. If the 'Lock Incognito tabs' option isn't showing up in the Chrome Settings, head to the App Store and make sure it's updated to the latest version.
While this feature might seem like overkill to some people, there are legitimate instances where it could come in handy. If someone is looking up gift ideas for a kid or partner, this can ensure that person isn't able to sneak a peek at what they're getting. Locking tabs like this can also be used to protect sites with sensitive work information, sites with financial info, etc.
Along with being able to lock Incognito tabs, the version 92 update for Google Chrome includes a few other goodies, too. There are redesigns for multiple pages throughout the app, including the new tab page, settings, bookmarks, and history. The tab switcher also has a new look and easier controls for sharing or bookmarking a specific tab. And, last but not least, Chrome now asks users to confirm if they want to close all open tabs to prevent any accidents from happening.