Google Chrome for iPhone Adds Safari Data Import Feature Soon
Generally, I think Chrome 145 for iOS is gonna be pretty cool because it lets users import Safari bookmarks, history, and passwords directly on iPhone, which is nice. Normally, you would have to do this on a laptop or something, but now you can just do it on your phone. Apparently, this new feature is already available in the beta version, so you can try it out if you want.
What’s New in Chrome 145
Honestly, I am excited because Google finally gave us a way to bring our Safari data straight into Chrome on the iPhone, which is something I have been waiting for. Usually, I have to juggle a laptop and my phone to do this, but now it’s all on my phone. Basically, this beta version already lets you grab bookmarks, history, and passwords from Safari without leaving the phone, which is convenient.
How the Import Works
First, you gotta export Safari data into a zip file, which is kinda annoying because Apple makes us do that manual step. Then, you download that zip onto your iPhone, which is pretty easy. After that, you open Chrome, hit the new “Import Safari Data” button, pick the zip, and watch Chrome list what it’s about to bring over, which is nice to see.
Before you confirm, Chrome shows a clear breakdown, like bookmarks, history, passwords, so you know exactly what’s moving, which is good. After you say go, it even asks if you want the zip deleted, keeping your phone tidy, which is a nice touch.
Availability and Rollout
Right now, the feature lives in Chrome 145 beta, which you can grab through Apple’s TestFlight, if you want to try it out. It’s not in the stable channel yet, but Google says it’ll drop to everybody in the next few weeks once the official update ships, so you can just wait if you don’t want to use the beta. Normally, I would say just wait for the stable version, but if you’re eager, you can try the beta.
Why It Matters
Switching browsers used to be a pain, because you had to sync via a desktop or manually re-type passwords, which is annoying. This new tool cuts that hassle, letting you keep all your saved stuff while you jump to Chrome, which is nice. Generally, it’s good to see Google still pushing hard on iOS, even though Apple limits what browsers can do, which is kinda frustrating.
What’s Next?
As Chrome 145 moves toward a full release, expect the import experience to get even smoother, which is good. Right now, it only moves bookmarks, history, and passwords, but future updates could add extensions, tabs, or even sync settings, which would be nice. Usually, I would say just wait for the updates, but if you’re eager, you can try to find out what’s coming next.
If you’re eager to try it, join the TestFlight beta today, or just wait for the stable version to land on the App Store in the coming weeks, which is what I would do. Honestly, it’s up to you, but I think it’s worth trying out if you use Chrome on your iPhone.
