Google Chrome beta for iOS allows locking incognito tabs
What's the story
The latest beta version of the Google Chrome browser for iOS reportedly lets users lock incognito tabs using Touch or Face ID. Tabs locked by this feature will be blurred until the browser receives user authentication. The feature has been introduced in a bid to "add more security" for those who multitask between apps or allow others to use their devices.
No spying
Locked tabs will be blurred in the tab switcher panel
The feature is available on Chrome browser beta version 89.4389.48 for iOS. The lock will be enabled by default after 15 minutes of inactivity on an incognito session in the browser. Inactivity includes staying in the app and not interacting with the tab as well as switching to another app. The locked tabs will have blurred previews in the tab switcher window.
Actually useful?
Useful feature for those who share devices with someone else
We believe a realistic use case for the feature would be when a device is lent to someone for a short duration, the device owner might want to conceal the contents of the incognito tabs open in the Chrome browser. The feature can be accessed in the beta version for iOS by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Lock Incognito Tabs.
Nothing new, really
Google Drive and Search apps for iOS sport similar features
This isn't the first time Google has implemented this feature. On Google Drive for iOS, the Privacy Screen feature requests user authentication after 10 seconds, one minute, or 10 minutes of inactivity. Google Search app for iOS also requests biometric authentication to "confirm it's you" after 15 minutes of inactivity. A similar feature is available on Samsung's default browser app for Android phones.
Not truly incognito
Google's iOS apps haven't received a stable update since November
Google hasn't clarified if the new feature will be available in a stable update soon. Stable updates for most Google apps on iOS have not been released since November. While we cannot discredit Google for actively adding features to the app, a recent lawsuit citing the Federal Wiretap Act alleges that Google collects browsing history and web activity even in incognito mode.