Image: Google
Do you know what the lock icon means on the Google Chrome browser? Well, you're not alone. That's why Google will replace this icon next to the web address bar with a version of the "tune" icon you see above. According to Google's research, only 11 percent of users realize it refers to HTTPS encryption. And some users think it means the site is trustworthy, which is an issue when phishing sites use the tech.
This tune icon won't imply trustworthiness. But it signals that the security of the page is in the default state. It also invites people to click and use site controls, which is something you may not realize you can do now.
Most users will see the new icon in Chrome 117 on Android and the desktop in early September. Since that icon isn't tappable on iOS, Google is pulling it entirely. If you want to see it now, it's available in Chrome Canary if you enable the Chrome Refresh 2023 flag.