Google launches major Chrome update: discover all the new features

Google pushes the boundaries of web browsing once again with a major update to its Chrome browser, integrating advances that fully leverage artificial intelligence. This transformation is not limited to a simple aesthetic facelift or traditional performance improvements. In 2026, the Mountain View firm offers a true metamorphosis, based on the deep integration of Gemini, its advanced AI, to make browsing smooth, intuitive, and proactive. Starting now, users on macOS, Windows, and Chromebook Plus benefit from an intelligent assistant accessible via a sidebar panel, designed to eliminate the constant need to switch from tab to tab or resort to third-party applications.

This update also significantly enhances security, a crucial issue as web browsers are constantly targeted by cyber threats. Google strengthens its technical safeguards to protect personal data while offering new unprecedented features, including Nano Banana, a revolutionary tool allowing the modification and generation of images by simple text instruction, without leaving the browser. Furthermore, automatic browsing opens the door to a future where the AI agent can act on behalf of the user to manage various online tasks, from research to completing purchases.

Between optimized user experience, reinforced security, and redesigned interface, this new iteration of Chrome aims to establish itself as an indispensable companion for daily browsing, while announcing a new era where web browsers become true connected personal assistants. Let’s explore in detail these major novelties that redefine the way we interact with the web.

Gemini is integrated everywhere in Google Chrome for a smooth and centralized experience

The highlight of this update is undoubtedly the deep integration of Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence system, at the heart of Chrome. In 2026, the era when AI was confined to an accessory function is over: it becomes a permanent interlocutor accessible via a sidebar panel, available on all major platforms such as macOS, Windows, or Chromebook Plus. This Gemini sidebar panel was designed to optimize navigation by eliminating the need to juggle between multiple windows or tabs.

This feature allows users to keep their main content on screen while asking the AI to perform complex or repetitive tasks. For example, you can compile information from different online sales sites, compare products and prices, or summarize customer reviews, without ever losing sight of your main page. This radically different approach has been praised by early testers, who noticed a significant reduction in erratic browsing and a substantial productivity gain.

From a technical standpoint, the sidebar proves extremely practical for organizing an agenda, compiling notes, or asking contextualized questions to Gemini in real time. This integration comes with a redesigned, simplified, and streamlined user interface, but also optimized for perfect compatibility with all websites, ensuring flawless rendering and operation. It is a decisive step for Google in its desire to transform Chrome into a true daily personal assistant.

Here is a summary of the immediate benefits for users:

• Simultaneous use of classic browsing and Gemini on the same screen.
• Reduction in the number of open tabs, limiting mental overload and improving performance.
• Real-time information search and synthesis without leaving the active page.
• Facilitated organization thanks to permanent access to an intelligent assistant.

This innovation makes Chrome a more efficient, intuitive web browser better suited to the current needs of internet users. By facilitating task centralization, Gemini redefines the very notion of productivity on the internet, while maintaining a pleasant and fluid user experience, essential in a context where speed and simplicity have become indispensable criteria.

Nano Banana: a unique asset for graphic creation and image manipulation in Chrome

The evolution does not stop at textual assistance. Google also introduces Nano Banana, an innovative tool that allows modifying, editing, or even generating images simply by typing textual instructions in Chrome. This feature explores a domain still little exploited by web browsers, that of graphic creation directly accessible from the web, without the need to install additional applications or software.

The functioning of Nano Banana relies on advanced image processing algorithms associated with Gemini AI. For example, a user can upload a photo and ask to transform it, add elements or filters, or even generate a completely new image from a simple description. This capability is a true revolution in the way content creators, marketers, or even casual users can interact with the web to produce visuals.

Concrete examples of use:

• A photographer wishing to quickly retouch a series of images without resorting to heavy software.
• A student or professional creating a presentation with customized visuals generated on the fly.
• An online merchant rapidly modifying product images for digital marketing.
• A blogger or influencer generating original images for their social networks.

This integration strengthens Chrome’s position as a versatile and cutting-edge tool, capable of meeting varied needs without overburdening the software environment. Moreover, everything takes place online, ensuring optimal compatibility with all devices and increased security, as no external application or download is necessary.

The deployment of Nano Banana is underway for users already benefiting from Gemini, thus strengthening the link between artificial intelligence and creativity within the Google ecosystem.

Functioning and technical compatibility

Nano Banana operates entirely via the cloud, leveraging the power of Google servers to perform complex transformations within seconds. This model optimizes performance on less powerful machines, while ensuring perfect compatibility with the latest web standards, notably WebGL for graphic rendering. Thus, whether you are on a traditional PC, a MacBook, or a Chromebook Plus, the experience remains smooth, direct, and of high quality.

A redesigned user interface to enrich the experience and facilitate onboarding

Alongside these AI innovations, Google has carefully refined Chrome’s user interface (UI), a crucial aspect to maintain ergonomics and ease of use despite the growing complexity of features. The goal is clear: to offer simpler, more aesthetic, and more efficient daily browsing.

The interface changes are not only aesthetic; they are also functional. The Gemini sidebar, for example, integrates harmoniously without disrupting reading or interaction with content. Menus are now more accessible, with a simplified architecture for better organization and customization of options.

Google notably improved these points:

• Intuitive navigation with smooth transitions and restructured menus.
• Better tab management, including clearer and customizable tab groups.
• Reinforced accessibility, focusing on visual comfort and compatibility with assistive tools.
• Adaptive design, optimizing display according to the device used.

These improvements perfectly suit the needs of modern users who juggle multiple complex tasks while seeking an ergonomic digital environment. Google thus demonstrates perfect mastery of the balance between feature richness and ease of use, crucial for the loyalty of millions of daily internet users.

Benefits for daily user experience

Thanks to this revamp, browsing on Chrome is more pleasant, faster, and less frustrating. Users notably report a significant reduction in display-related fatigue and better anticipation of needs thanks to relevant suggestions. This revised interface becomes a major asset, especially in a professional context where time management is crucial.

Google Chrome, a web browser increasingly secure against growing threats

Security is a fundamental issue for Google in this update. The multiplication of cyberattacks targeting web browsers requires heightened vigilance. Chrome thus takes advantage of this version to strengthen its technical protections, relying on a holistic approach in the field of cybersecurity.

Among the patched vulnerabilities are critical components such as the V8 engine, ANGLE (graphic rendering management), the GPU, and WebRTC, potentially affecting user data confidentiality and integrity. These fixes are deployed immediately alongside the arrival of new features.

Moreover, protection against so-called indirect injection attacks has been enhanced. This involves preventing any malicious manipulation exploiting web content to hijack the actions of the integrated AI agent, notably in the context of automatic browsing. Google has implemented a verification system aligning user intentions with generated web actions, with systematic confirmations before sensitive operations such as purchases or logins.

Strengthening AI-specific safeguards

To secure the Gemini agent, Chrome also incorporates several control systems: strict restrictions on domains that can interact with the AI, real-time anomaly detection, and continuous security testing to prevent any abuse attempts. This framework guarantees a secure experience while fully enjoying artificial intelligence innovations.

Users also have full control over connections between Gemini and various Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Maps, etc.), according to a clear and transparent consent principle. Furthermore, privacy management has been redesigned to offer fine customization, a trend that meets the heightened expectations of 2026 internet users regarding online confidentiality.

Security Aspect	Description of Measures	User Benefits
Critical flaw patches	Update of V8 engine, ANGLE, GPU, WebRTC	Better stability and data protection
Protection against indirect injection	Alignment verification of intention-action and confirmations	Prevents unauthorized actions
Enhanced AI controls	Restrictions, anomaly detection, continuous tests	Optimal security for AI interaction
User consent	Optional management of connections to services	Privacy respect and customization

Automatic browsing, a new era for the use of web browsers

One of the most ambitious innovations of this update is undoubtedly the automatic browsing feature, or Auto Brows, currently reserved for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. This technology allows the Gemini agent to perform complex actions on the internet on behalf of the user, thus optimizing their time and simplifying their procedures.

Examples of practical applications:

• Automatic search and comparison of travel options, including flights, accommodation, and car rental.
• Filling out administrative or commercial forms without manual intervention.
• Collecting and sorting important documents from multiple online sources.
• Proactive management of subscriptions, renewals, or cancellations.
• Searching for specific products with strict respect for a defined budget, notably identifying similar alternatives.

This capability is based on the universal commerce protocol that Google has developed with major partners such as Etsy, Shopify, Target, and Wayfair. This standard aims to guarantee smooth and secure interaction between AI agents and merchant sites, ensuring data integrity and a frictionless user experience.

Google specifies, however, that sensitive operations such as purchases or logins always require human validation, a crucial point to prevent abusive or unintentional use. This approach guarantees security and responsibility while offering extended automation capabilities.

Personal Intelligence: smart and evolving personalization at the heart of Chrome

Intelligent context management has become a key issue to improve the relevance of assistance provided by AI embedded in web browsers. Google deploys a feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows Gemini to memorize certain past interactions, to provide more personalized and long-term adapted responses.

Concretely, this feature allows the AI to understand the user’s personal context such as preferences, browsing habits, or interests, by integrating data from Google services such as Gmail, Calendar, or YouTube. This connection is strictly regulated and configurable at all times, with full and transparent control over the stored information.

Personal Intelligence aims to simplify repetitive searches, anticipate needs, and improve productivity without the user feeling intruded upon. Thanks to this proactive dynamic, Gemini becomes a true personal assistant capable of learning and adapting over time.

Users can activate or deactivate this option, precisely select the concerned applications, or manage stored data, thus ensuring a balance between efficiency and respect for privacy.

Extended compatibility of Chrome with modern operating systems and devices

To support these major changes, Google has also worked on optimizing Chrome’s compatibility with the latest generations of operating systems and hardware. MacOS, Windows, and the latest Chromebook Plus receive privileged treatment, fully leveraging hardware capabilities to guarantee a smooth experience without compromising performance or energy consumption.

Notable features:

• Full support for hardware acceleration for optimal graphic rendering.
• Dynamic resource adjustment based on the device used, to maximize laptop battery life.
• Optimization of Gemini AI functions to take advantage of modern CPU and GPU architectures.
• Extended compatibility ensuring a unified experience regardless of system.

These technical improvements not only promote a smooth and responsive user experience but also contribute to the browser’s sustainability in an increasingly demanding digital environment. Thanks to this extended support, Chrome confirms its place as a reliable, innovative web browser perfectly adapted to the evolving needs of internet users.

Evolution prospects and impact on daily browsing

With this colossal update, Google profoundly transforms how we use web browsers. Chrome, coupled with Gemini, no longer merely displays pages: it becomes an intelligent intermediary capable of anticipating, organizing, and automating many online interactions. This change also affects users’ habits, reducing the mental overload related to managing multiple tabs and distinct applications.

Some concrete implications:

• Smoother, less fragmented browsing that promotes focus and productivity.
• Increased use of artificial intelligence in daily activities, previously limited to experimental experiences.
• A reinforced role of the browser as an integrated platform combining messaging, calendar, search, and creation.
• A major challenge for confidentiality and security, now at the heart of proactive features.

Google has thus laid the foundation for a more integrated digital ecosystem where the user benefits from intelligent and personalized assistance while fully retaining control of their data and privacy. This new generation of web browsers already foreshadows the usages of tomorrow, subjected both to growing demands for efficiency and reinforced imperatives of data protection.