Being deployed for a few days, Chrome 91 intends to push the optimization further with a browser up to 23% faster depending on the configuration and operating system.
Google continues its quest for performance to make Chrome the fastest and least resource-intensive browser. Started following an increase in criticism of the lack of optimization of the browser, the approach first took shape with Chrome 89, which had reduced the consumption of RAM on macOS and Android as well as a faster launch time on the latter. With Chrome 90, unused tabs were put to sleep, resulting in a decrease in the browser’s CPU load of up to 35%.
Sparkplug: a JavaScript code compiler
Sparkplug is the new JavaScript compiler developed by Google. As a reminder, the speed of execution of JavaScript code is a key element in the smoothness of web browsing. With this compiler, Google wants to make its JavaScript engine more powerful. In addition to Sparkplug, Google has also reduced the number of times Chrome needs to call certain functions and optimized the storage of code with what developers call “built-in calls”. After this update, users should see a significant speed boost.
Chrome 91 should also introduce new designs for form elements such as buttons, radio buttons or calendars. Developed jointly with Microsoft, this aesthetic change is also visible on the latest version of Edge Chromium.
Other optimizations expected in future updates
Google has also confirmed that it is working on other improvements for Chrome. As early as Chrome 92, the firm from Mountain View intends to introduce the “backward-forward cache” which will allow an instant display of previously visited pages when pressing the back arrow or the Back button.