Google to soon let iPhone users lock incognito tabs with Face or Touch ID

Google is working on a new way to lock incognito tabs using Face or Touch ID. This feature is currently being tested on the beta channel of Google Chrome for iOS.

The Google Chrome beta version 89.4389.48 for iOS comes with a new security feature for incognito tabs, as spotted by 9to5Google. The update log reads, “You can add more security to your Incognito tabs with Touch ID or Face ID. When you return to the Chrome app, your Incognito tabs will be blurred until you confirm it’s you.”

iOS users who are on the beta version of Chrome can turn on this feature by going to Settings > Privacy > Lock Incognito tabs. This feature can be used to keep your incognito tabs hidden while you multitask different apps. Incognito tabs still appear in the tab switcher so this feature comes handy as those tabs can stay blurred when opened. It’s available for iPhones with Touch ID and Face ID as well. Google is expected to roll out Chrome 89 in March but there’s no confirmation on whether this feature will arrive with the update or not.

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This security feature isn’t something new and it’s similar to what the Google Search app has, and Samsung’s mobile browser as well. The Google Search app requires biometrics to confirm if it’s you in cases of returning to an incognito session after 15 minutes. It’s closer to what Samsung offers on its mobile browser for users to lock tabs with facial recognition or fingerprint.