Chrome Streamlines Work-Life Division for iPhone Users with Ease
In a significant move to bolster privacy and security for enterprise customers, Google has announced that it is rolling out a new feature for Chrome on iOS devices. This update will introduce seamless work and personal account switching with true separation of browsing data for managed (work) Google accounts.
Starting in 2025, users will be able to switch between their work and personal profiles with just a few taps on the profile icon. Each profile will maintain separate tabs, browsing history, saved passwords, and other local data, ensuring that work-related browsing remains separate from personal browsing on the same device. This feature brings on-device data isolation similar to what Android and desktop Chrome offer, enhancing privacy and security in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios.
Upon first-time use, users will be greeted by a clear onboarding message explaining the separation and will receive confirmation when entering the managed experience. This transparency about data handling is designed to ensure that users are fully aware of how their data is being managed.
For enterprise users, this feature comes with a host of security and compliance safeguards. The Premium package of Chrome Enterprise includes additional security guardrails, such as malware deep scan, data loss protection, website filtering, evidence locker, and more. Google is also strengthening the browser safety protocols for enterprise customers, allowing organizations to block employees from visiting unallowed GenAI sites at a category level and redirect them to the approved corporate services to prevent ShadowAI risks.
It's important to note that this feature is available only to corporate Chrome Enterprise users, not regular personal Chrome users on iOS. Some companies may require an internal VPN or a separate work profile to access internet-based material.
In addition to these security features, Google is expanding the reporting features offered with Chrome Enterprise across Android and iOS, allowing IT admins to get a deeper look at security risks and threat incidents. The URL filtering service, which prevents employees (signed in to a work profile) from accessing risky websites, is also being rolled out for iOS devices.
This update closes a long-standing gap for iOS users who previously lacked true profile separation within Chrome, enabling a more secure and convenient multi-account experience on iPhones and iPads. Google is focusing on iPhone users for Chrome, aiming to provide a more streamlined and secure browsing experience for enterprise customers using iOS devices.
[1] Google Blog Post [2] Chrome Enterprise Blog Post [3] TechCrunch Article [4] ZDNet Article [5] The Verge Article
- With the introduction of the new profile switching feature in Chrome for iOS devices, Google aims to extend their focus on privacy and security to the realm of business and finance, allowing users to separate their work-related browsing data, such as saved passwords and browsing history, from their personal data on the same device.
- This update not only streamlines the multi-account experience for iPhone and iPad users but also bridges the gap in features for enterprise customers using smartphones and other gadgets, as the improved technology enables stronger security and compliance safeguards for business-related activities, such as the prevention of visiting unauthorized GenAI sites and the blocking of ShadowAI risks.
