- Google Chrome adds separate profiles for personal and work accounts on iOS.
- Browsing data and credentials will be completely differentiated between profiles.
- New security and URL filtering features are included for managed devices.
- Profile switching will be seamless and designed specifically for business and BYOD environments.
Google has taken a step forward in privacy and security management for its Chrome users on iOS devices. The company has announced the arrival of the feature separate profiles, which allows for a clear distinction between personal and professional activity, making life easier for both workers and organizations.
Until now, while user profiles were available on desktop and Android, iPhone and iPad users lacked a solution to easily switch between personal and work accounts without mixing data. This changes with the latest Chrome update for iOS., which incorporates the possibility of switching between profiles quickly and easily, maintaining well-compartmentalized information.
Independent Profiles: Browse without mixing your personal and professional life
The new functionality allows each user to maintain Separate browsing history, open tabs, saved passwords and all preferences of both profiles. In this way, each environment - personal or work - is completely isolated., promoting the protection of both corporate information and personal data.
When you sign in or switch to your work account in Chrome, the activity linked to the company remains separate from the rest of the browsing on the device. When this system is activated for the first time, users receive a clear warning about the data retention policies established by their company for their professional profile.
In addition, every time you access the work environment, Chrome will display a notification on screen to remind users that they are using a profile managed by the organization, reinforcing transparency and user control over their data.
Improvements in security and controls for companies
The update not only makes profile management easier, but incorporates advanced security tools focused on businessesAdministrators can now implement URL filtering on iOS devices, preventing employees from accessing unauthorized websites from their work account. This control was already present in Android and desktop versions, but the arrival on iOS represents a significant step forward for those who manage fleets of Apple devices.
Plus, with Chrome Enterprise, the possibilities for IT teams are multiplied: Risk reporting and monitoring functions have been expanded to provide greater detail on security threats detected on mobile devices, both Android and iOS. Managers can control extensions and installed apps, and configure policies tailored to each organization's needs from a single management dashboard.
The independent profiles feature and enhanced controls are available for the various Chrome Enterprise packages, both in the Core and Premium modalities, which add protection measures such as advanced malware analysis and data loss prevention.
Why this change is relevant for users and businesses
This change is especially useful in environments where Personal devices are also used for work, under models known as BYOD. This allows you to enjoy an iPhone or iPad on a daily basis without fear of personal searches interfering with work-related ones or putting confidential company information at risk.
Google has noted that by separating Chrome profiles on iOS, not only individual privacy is protected, but it also provides peace of mind to companies, which will be able to apply much stricter security and access policies tailored to their environment, without being invasive to the end user.
Another of the most notable new features is the integration of warning systems and profile management that inform the user every time they are browsing under their work identity, helping to avoid errors and reminding them of their privacy obligations at all times.
