Google Chrome Introduces Vertical Tabs and Fullscreen Reading Mode for Desktop

8 April 2026 · Source balance: Centre

Google is rolling out two major interface updates for its Chrome desktop browser: vertical tabs and an immersive reading mode. The vertical tabs feature moves browser tabs from their traditional horizontal position at the top to a vertical sidebar, offering users an alternative way to organize multiple open pages. This layout change aims to provide better tab management, especially for users who typically have many tabs open simultaneously. The second update introduces a fullscreen reading mode designed to create a more focused, distraction-free environment for reading web content. Both features represent significant departures from Chrome's long-standing interface design, which has remained largely consistent since the browser's early days. These updates appear to be part of Google's broader effort to modernize Chrome's user experience and compete with other browsers that have already implemented similar features. The rollout is happening gradually across desktop versions of Chrome, allowing users to test these new interface options alongside the traditional layout.