Chrome browser app for Android may get extensions support

Google could introduce a new version of the Chrome web browser app for Android that supports extensions. The search giant recently indicated it wants to evolve Chrome OS to become more like Android.

Chrome browser for Android may get extensions suggests report

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers. It is available for almost every operating system and device. However, the Chrome browser app for Android is slightly different.

Google decided long back to not offer extension support to mobile versions of Chrome. While Google’s reason isn’t clear, some reports suggest the company may be wary of ad blockers, which are available as extensions.

Google Chrome is preinstalled on most Android devices. It is fast, easy to use, and has a lot of features, but it still lacks support for browser extensions.

Third-party Chromium-based browser allows users to install extensions. Google could change this in the near future by allowing the official Chrome browser app for Android to support browser extensions.

According to Android Authority, Google is working on a new version of Chrome for Android. This version is aimed at “desktop” devices like Chromebooks.

When will extensions work on Google’s browser?

Earlier this year, Google announced Chrome OS would become more like Android. Specifically speaking, Chrome OS would use large parts of the Android tech stack. This would include “Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks.”

Google is actively working on a common bootloader for Android, Chrome OS, and even Fuchsia. Chromebooks would also get a new version of Chrome for Android. This version is primarily intended for desktop-grade Chromebooks.

These developments suggest Google intends to unify Chrome builds between Android and Chrome OS. Currently, the biggest differentiator between them is the device form factor.

The biggest indicator of Chrome browser for Android getting extension support is the introduction of “Desktop Android”. This new version is called ‘Chrome for Android’, and it is getting support for browser extensions.

Interestingly, even a Google engineer working on the Chromium project confirmed Desktop Android has extensions support. Google has been actively submitting patches for the “Desktop Android” project to the Chromium Gerrit.

Incidentally, Desktop Android Chrome builds are compatible with devices that support Android OS. Google may not have made any announcements yet. However, the company has been laying the necessary groundwork for a common Chrome browser, presumably with extension support. This browser would work across multiple form factors. Moreover, with Google adopting Manifest V3, this move would significantly help Google.