Google has begun a broad rollout of vertical tabs and an updated full-page Reading Mode in Chrome, making both features available without the need to enable experimental flags. The rollout is happening gradually and is tied to Chrome 146. Users who do not see either feature immediately may need to wait until the update reaches their installation.
Vertical tabs were previously limited to Chrome Beta following their announcement in January 2026. The Reading Mode update is being announced alongside the changes to the tab layout.
How Vertical Tabs Work in Google Chrome
Vertical tabs in Chrome move the tab strip from the top of the window to a sidebar on the left side. Each tab shows full page titles, making it easier to identify and manage multiple open tabs. Google says this layout is designed for multitasking.
To turn on vertical tabs, right-click on any Chrome window and select “Show Tabs Vertically.” To switch back to the horizontal layout, right-click inside the vertical tab panel and choose “Show tabs at the top.”
Full-Page Reading Mode in Chrome
Chrome’s built-in Reading Mode, which simplifies web pages by removing surrounding interface elements to focus on text content, is getting a new full-page layout. The updated interface allows Reading Mode to expand to fill the entire window instead of appearing as a side panel.
Users will be able to resize the window once the mode is activated. Google has not yet confirmed whether the full-page layout will become the default or if it will remain an option alongside the existing panel view.
When Vertical Tabs and Full-Page Reading Mode Are Available
Both features are being rolled out gradually through Chrome 146. Google has not provided a timeline for when the rollout will be finished. Users can check their Chrome version and update status by clicking the three-dot menu, selecting Help, and then About Google Chrome.
