Google ships JPEG XL image format support in latest Chrome 155 update

Google has announced that Chrome 155 now includes native decoding support for JPEG XL (.jxl), marking a significant milestone for the next-generation image format that had faced years of uncertainty in the browser ecosystem. The update enables web developers to leverage JPEG XL's superior compression efficiency, delivering 30-50% smaller file sizes compared to traditional JPEG, along with lossless compression, built-in HDR support, and fine-grained progressive decoding capabilities. The format is particularly well-suited for high-fidelity photographic content and scenarios demanding lossless image preservation.

The decision to integrate JPEG XL came after sustained advocacy from the web development community, with the Chrome team citing consistent requests through multiple feedback channels, including bugs, surveys, and notably the W3C Interop Project. JPEG XL emerged as a popular proposal in the 2026 Interop process, prompting Google to participate in a dedicated investigation ensuring comprehensive test coverage across browsers before shipping. This collaborative approach aimed to establish strong interoperability foundations ahead of widespread adoption. The Chrome blog post acknowledges numerous contributors to the project, with special recognition for Helmut Januschka's substantial work on both the jxl-rs library and Chrome integration, alongside Martin Bruse, Zoltan Szabadka, Sami Boukortt, and Wonwoo Choi.

With JPEG XL officially landing alongside existing support for AVIF, Google encourages developers to experiment with both formats to optimize for different use cases, recommending JPEG XL particularly for lossless fidelity requirements. The move represents a potential turning point for the format, which had previously been blocked from Chrome development despite gaining traction elsewhere, and signals renewed momentum for modern image standards on the open web.