Google is rolling out a visual upgrade to Chrome for Android that maximizes display real estate by implementing a dynamic bottom navigation bar. This change, now available in Chrome 135, eliminates the traditional “chin” area at the screen’s bottom, allowing websites to extend fully to the display edges.
Key Features of the Update
- Immersive viewing: Web content now reaches the very bottom of the screen
- Adaptive interface: The gesture bar remains visible but changes color for contrast
- Selective availability: Only works with gesture navigation (not three-button nav)
- Gradual rollout: Requires both app update and server-side activation
Potential User Impact
While the redesign creates more viewing space, some websites may experience formatting issues:
- Footer elements (cookie notices, signup forms) could become partially obscured
- Critical bottom-page interactions might require extra scrolling
- Google recommends developers implement “safe area insets” for compatibility
The update follows Google’s ongoing efforts to optimize Chrome’s mobile experience, building on previous improvements like the disappearing address bar during scrolling. Users can expect the feature to automatically enable as the server-side update reaches their devices.
Note: The traditional three-button navigation option will not receive this visual enhancement.
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