Google Chrome Browser Coming to iOS?

[MacRumors]

Business Insider reports on a new research note from Macquarie analyst Ben Schacter, who claims that Google is working to bring a version of its Chrome browser to iOS devices. According to the report, Apple "may already be reviewing" the app, which could debut before the end of the quarter.

Google Chrome browser for Android​

Google currently splits ad revenue share with Apple for Google searches performed through Safari, a deal that currently sees Google paying Apple roughly $1 billion per year. With a potential Chrome browser for iOS leading to Google keeping all revenue for searches through the browser for itself, Google could see a significant financial benefit if it can achieve a substantial user base on iOS.

The problem for Google is that Apple does not make it convenient for users to take advantage of third-party browsers, with Safari alternatives like Opera and Dolphin representing only tiny fractions of iOS browser share. Systemwide calls for browser actions throughout iOS apps are linked to Safari, meaning that users have to take extra steps to use a different browser, with the inconvenience leading the vast majority of users to simply use Safari for their iOS browsing needs.

Article Link: Google Chrome Browser Coming to iOS?

 

[ah123]

If it's anything like the other apps Google has released on iOS, I'll be avoiding this one.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

It's funny how much app store restrictions have changed over the years, regarding "duplicating functionality". There are browser apps and email apps all over the app store now.

 

[Penderworth]

I'd still use Safari for Reading List, bookmark sync, and the upcoming tab sync with Mountain Lion.

 

[gpat]

Apple is not going to stay quiet about this one.

 

[blahbrah]

judging by how "well" other Google apps work on the iPhone, I doubt this will be much of a threat.

 

[basesloaded190]

Apple is not going to stay quiet about this one.

Read the article? It says Apple may already be reviewing this app.

 

[AngerDanger]

So it's all the fun of Safari without Google giving any search revenue to Apple. Neat-o.

 

[smileyborg]

If it's anything like the other apps Google has released on iOS, I'll be avoiding this one.

Apparently you haven't seen the latest Google+ app update.

 

[flux73]

The Google search app already functions a lot like a Chrome browser. I find myself using it a lot for the voice search function and I'd say I use it for 90% of my browsing vs 10% with Safari.

 

[Superken7]

This would be nice. But I am not sure Google (or anyone else) will be able to set a browser other than Safari as the default browser. iOS is too restrictive to allow third party innovation to thrive.

 

[rdowns]

Business Insider is Digitimes West with slideshows.

 

[AustinIllini]

If you can't set Chrome as the default integrated browser, what's the point?

 

[DCstewieG]

With the complaints from Mozilla and Google about not being able to build browsers for Windows 8 RT, Microsoft has been able to defend itself with the fact that iOS is the same way. If this happened that disappears.

Personally I'd like to see this because I use desktop Chrome and they would hopefully sync. And maybe even get extensions! Not going to switch to the IMO inferior Safari just to get bookmark syncing on my iPad.

 

[Rajani Isa]

If you can't set Chrome as the default integrated browser, what's the point?

Well, I'd look into it to see if it handles certain pages (one forum I go to, for example, loops you from log-in to log-out while on mobile safari, for some reason) than Opera. Or for websites that do not offer a choice of mobile redirect.

 

[monkeybagel]

LOL! No thanks!

 

[applesith]

What's the point or advantage to using chrome on an iOS devise?

Browser options won't be important until you can add plugins to the browsers.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I like that tab switching image. Looks a lot better than Safari's.

(Safari's aught to be called what they are: windows, not tabs.)

 

[walnuts]

Aren't "alternative browsers" on iOS not really alternative browsers? Either they have to do their rendering on a remote computer or just be a wrapper for Safari's internet engine? Would there be any substantial benefit to using chrome here over safari?

 

[goobot]

It's funny how much app store restrictions have changed over the years, regarding "duplicating functionality". There are browser apps and email apps all over the app store now.

They are adding functionality to it thought, it isn't a blind copy so it isn't a duplicate.

 

[Flitzy]

More ways for Google to get their grubby little hands on all your data.

Yeah, I haven't used Chrome yet.. I won't be using this either.

I wish the tech blogs would stop propping them up already.

 

[Skika]

I love Safari and doubt i will ever use anything else. I have grown really attached to it. Not to mention the syncing with my Apple devices.

Other browses just seem strange.

 

[deannnnn]

Apple's lockdown on simple things like changing the default browser frustrate me.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

Apple's lockdown on simple things like changing the default browser frustrate me.

I don't see how its even allowed when MS did the same and look what that got them.

 

[getburl]

Extensions

I was telling the guys over at tagalong.io that this might make it so extensions like tagalong.io could make it onto iOS. That would be so cool.