Full Breakdown
Google Reintroduces JPEG-XL Support in Chrome 145
2/11/2026, 5:46:24 PM
Overview of Chrome 145 Release
Google has officially launched Chrome 145, marking a significant update for its browser across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. This release notably reintroduces support for JPEG-XL image decoding, a feature that was previously deprecated in 2022. The JPEG-XL decoding capabilities are implemented using the Rust-based jxl-rs decoder, which is designed to enhance memory safety compared to the earlier C++ libjxl library.
New Features and Enhancements
In addition to JPEG-XL support, Chrome 145 includes several other enhancements aimed at improving user experience and web development capabilities:
Key Features
- JPEG-XL Decoding: Users can now enable JPEG-XL image support through the `enable-jxl-image-format` flag, allowing for advanced image handling in web applications.
- Text Justification CSS Property: The addition of the text-justify property provides web designers with improved options for text alignment.
- Column Wrapping: Enhancements in multicolumn layouts offer better control over how content is presented on websites.
- Device Bound Session Credentials: New security features are introduced to enhance user session management.
- IndexedDB SQLite Backend: This update supports an SQLite backend, improving database functionalities for web applications.
- Upsert Feature: This feature allows users to insert new data while updating existing entries, streamlining database operations.
Official Statements & Responses
Google has emphasized that the reintroduction of JPEG-XL support is part of its ongoing commitment to improving web standards and user experience. The company stated that the transition to the Rust-based decoder is a strategic move to enhance memory safety, addressing concerns raised during the previous implementation.
Criticism & Opposition
While the reintroduction of JPEG-XL has been welcomed by some developers and users, there are concerns regarding the necessity of supporting another image format. Critics argue that the web ecosystem already has established formats, and the addition of JPEG-XL may complicate development processes without providing significant benefits.
What's Next
As Chrome 145 rolls out, developers are encouraged to explore the new features and provide feedback. Future updates may further refine JPEG-XL support and other enhancements based on user experiences and industry standards.
Verbatim Quotes
This comprehensive update positions Chrome 145 as a significant step forward in web browser capabilities, particularly with the reintroduction of JPEG-XL support and various enhancements aimed at improving user experience and security.
