• Source:JND

Google is reportedly rolling out a refreshed reading mode for Chrome on Android, bringing a cleaner interface and updated controls inspired by Material 3 Expressive design. According to a report by 9To5Google, the update makes it easier to access and customise simplified article views while keeping the core purpose of Reading mode intact. The feature continues to strip away clutter from web pages and present articles in a more readable format.

What’s New in Chrome’s Reading Mode

Once users tap the new Reading mode option, Chrome opens a redesigned view that looks and behaves differently from the older version. Instead of taking over the entire screen, the new layout keeps the Omnibox visible at the top. At the bottom, a dedicated “Reading mode” sheet appears, using Material 3 Expressive elements such as updated containers, softer shapes, and a more modern visual hierarchy.

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This change allows users to stay orientated within Chrome while reading, rather than feeling like they have switched to a completely separate view.

Improved Customisation Options

The bottom sheet continues to offer familiar reading controls, but in a more polished layout. Users can:

- Switch between Sans Serif, Serif, and Mono fonts

- Increase text size up to 250 cent

- Choose background colours like Light, Sepia, or Dark

A key improvement is that these preferences are now saved across pages. Once users set their preferred font, size, and background, Chrome remembers the choices for future Reading mode sessions, eliminating the need to reconfigure settings every time.

Changes to How Reading Mode Is Accessed

Google is also adjusting how users activate reading mode. On some Android devices, a new “Show Reading Mode” option is appearing in Chrome’s three-dot overflow menu. It sits just below “Listen to this page” and shows up consistently, regardless of the website being viewed.

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With this change, the older address bar shortcut for reading mode appears to be removed. However, users can still exit reading mode quickly using a dedicated on-screen button, keeping navigation straightforward.

Availability and Rollout Status

According to 9To5Google, the redesigned Reading mode has been spotted on a limited number of Android devices running Chrome version 143 on the stable channel. The feature is not yet widely available, suggesting a phased rollout or limited testing before a broader release.

If rolled out more widely, the updated Reading mode could offer a more consistent, comfortable reading experience for Android users who regularly consume long-form content on Chrome.


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